Author: Toni Alaka

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to continuously adapt and change in response to influences in our environment, sustains normal learning and development. It also encourages recovery of function after an injury or damage. At the same time, it can also leave our brain vulnerable to the negative effects of harmful psychosocial experiences, such as maltreatment. […]

Compelling evidence reveals that high levels of stress are linked with low income, weight gain, and obesity. Notwithstanding that, research has also drawn links between socio-economic situations and associated stress levels. For instance, those living with chronic life stress, not an uncommon trope among those with low incomes, have a higher preference for energy-dense food, […]

Stroke causes death of brain tissue. The prevalence, and difficult recovery after brain injury make stroke one of the top causes of adult disability globally. Currently, therapies for stroke include clot removal within the first day after stroke in order to encourage reperfusion of brain blood vessels, however this is only viable for carefully selected […]

Internationally, stigma surrounding mental illness and people with mental illness has reduced due to greater understanding, education and advocacy in the community, and more focus on recovery‐oriented care within practice guidelines. With all this being said, it is clear that we still have progress to make in the domain of mental illness. One such example […]

Dementia is a disorder that causes significant decline in cognitive function, impacting around 5%-7% of adults over the age of 65 in most regions of the world, and even more (8%-10%) in the developed countries. There is currently no effective treatment for dementia, however it’s occurrence in the elderly can be reduced by identifying and […]