Your Pen Pal Al

         As part of the Neuro Aspects course I'm currently taking for OT school, I participated in a clinical simulation with a stroke patient. I administered a cognitive screening tool know as the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination. This assessment is one of many tools used to address levels of cognition. Cognition is the ability to perceive and organize information. Our memory, personality, awareness, and more are all a part of our cognition. Since cognition plays an important role in our daily lives, OT's assess and work to improve cognitive skills.     The client I worked with scored a 20 on the SLUMS examination. This score indicates the client has a mild cognitive impairment. Someone with this score would likely have issues with their short-term memory. They may not remember all of the steps to a recipe or they may forget to pay their bills. They may also have trouble remembering new names or directions for driving somewhere...

    Assistive technology is paving the way for people with disabilities. Devices are enabling people to communicate and engage in numerous activities people never thought would be possible. A prime example comes from Mr. Vamvakousis's computer program that allows individuals to play the harp with their eyes.       Vamvakousis realized the need for technology such as this when a dear friend of his was injured in a motorcycle accident. The two musicians were supposed to play together in a concert shortly after, and Vamvakousis was determined to make that happen. He created a computer program that enables people to play 25 different instruments. The musicians focus their gaze on a musical note to play it. The program allows approximately three to four notes to play per second. He began teaching the program to schools for children with disabilities in Barcelona. Today, thousands of people have downloaded the program and are practicing their musical talents....

       According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are approximately 6.7 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Year after year these statistics increase. Additionally, our knowledge about neurological diseases increases. In order to expand my own knowledge about this disease, I chose to listen to a TED Talk by Lisa Genova. I chose this topic because although there isn't a cure for Alzheimer's, Lisa Genova discussed multiple preventative measures. These steps can be taken at any stage in life, despite current habits or genetic predispositions.      Before describing any preventative measures, Lisa Genova gave a brief explanation of the neuroscience behind Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's develops due to an accumulation of a peptide known as Amyloid Beta. Accumulation develops into plaques and blocks our neurons from releasing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters determine how we think, feel, and remember. Therefore, when neurotransmitters are blocke...