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       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...

      Assistive devices are wonderful tools that allow people to move who would otherwise not be able to. Reasons for needing an assistive device could be recovering from a procedure, lacking muscle tone, and more. Ensuring the device properly fits the client is of most importance. A device that does not properly fit a client will cause discomfort and may lead to further injury.      When sizing a client for a cane, the client should stand tall, look straight ahead, and have their arms relaxed at either side. To adjust the height of the cane, push the button to release the lock. Make sure the lock clicks once the desired height is reached. To determine the proper height, the handle of the cane should align with the client's wrist crease, styloid process of the ulna, or the greater trochanter of the femur. All three points of contact should be about the same height. It is also important to note that the cane should be fitted for the side of the body in which...

      Have you ever wondered why some commercials stick with us more than others? For the most part, commercials have similar opportunities to succeed. They last about the same amount of time, reach similar amounts and types of people, etc. Simply put, we have neuroscience to thank for the advertisements that get stuck in our brains. Past and current trends show the commercials that stick with us the most are the ones that create the strongest responses. Whether they provoke laughter, sadness, or suspense, the commercials that elicit the strangest responses are the most memorable and effective.      One of the most memorable commercials for me is a Haribo Gummy Bear commercial . It begins with a group of well-dressed adults sitting around a conference table. When I first watched this commercial, I expected a serious conversation to take place. However, when the adults opened their mouths, children's voices came out. They talked about the fruity flavors and ...

      Transfers take place when someone moves from one surface to another. This can take place between beds, chairs, assistive devices, vehicles and more. A transfer is considered safe when both the therapist and client are free of harm.      In order to ensure a safe transfer, there are many factors to take into consideration. First and foremost, it is important to make sure the environment is clear and free of obstacles. If transferring to or from a wheelchair, make sure the brakes are locked and the castor wheels are out of the way. Footrests and armrests may also need to be removed. Additionally, if the client has any IVs, catheters, etc., make sure they are out of the client's path.      When determining the type of transfer to use, there are many aspects to consider. The client's balance, strength, cognition, endurance, and ROM are all determinants for the best type of transfer. For example, if a patient lacks strength, they may benefit...

 Paul Erway and his friends, Grant and Aaron, decided to complete a marathon in each of the 50 states. They completed all 50 by wheelchair and decided to document their experiences. Although they documented each race, I decided to focus on their races in Little Rock, AR and Boston, MA.      The Little Rock race took place on March 3rd, 2013. Paul did not participate in this race, but Aaron and Grant described it as especially challenging. This is most likely due to the fact that they were completing back-to-back marathons with very little sleep. I can only imagine how exhausting one marathon is, much less two in two days! Grant described the race as a constant uphill. He could not recall any of the downs. As someone who attended undergrad just outside of Little Rock, I am very familiar with the city's steep hills. Last week, our class participated in a wheelchair lab. During this lab, we practiced propelling ourselves up the inclines of our campus' parking garage. Th...

This is my classmate and friend Pinal. Ironically, she exemplified poor posture while studying for our Biomechanics class.  Yogis in training!  My cousin, Aniston, preparing to hit a home-run!        Since I love softball and played for many years, I thought it would be fitting to analyze my cousin's batting stance. In this photo, her pelvis is slightly tilted posteriorly. This tilt along with flexion at the hip joint causes excessive lengthening of the lower back muscles and shortening of the anterior abdominal muscles. In regards to spinal curvature, there is decreased lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis. The scapulae are on line with the spine, and the head is rotated and anteriorly shifted in relation to the spine. The left femur is slightly internally rotated, and the right femur is slightly externally rotated.      Aniston's feet are wider than her shoulders, increasing her base of support. An increased base of support incre...