Regions of the Brain

The Aging Brain

The developing brain proceeds systematically and progressively. Those with an aging brain are increasing in number. In 2020, 55.6 million (17%) of individuals in the United States were older than 65 years of age; by 2040, 22% of the population will be 65 years of age or older. Although the normal brain is an aging…

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Vyvanse or Adderall?

Attention deficit disorder, inattentive type, marked by poor concentration, disorganization, forgetfulness, poor task completion, and inadequate reading comprehension, may be missed in childhood because these children demonstrate no hyperactivity or class disruption. Once the diagnosis is made, a psychostimulant is often prescribed, usually Adderall. Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are stimulants used to…

Vindicated By Research

For several decades, I have recognized that attention deficit disorder can linger into adulthood. Finally, research confirms my convictions. Truveta, a healthcare data and analytics company, found that from January 2021 to 2024, the rate of first-time diagnoses rose 60 percent among those ages 30 to 44 and 64 percent among those ages 45 to…

The New Elephant

Psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelic drugs have been federally prohibited since the early 1970s. However, government restrictions have not stopped people from using them. Researchers from the RAND Corporation estimate that eight million adults in the U.S. used psilocybin in 2023. A December 12, 2024, article in the New York Times highlights the growing popularity…