Dr. Curtis Cripe: Supporting a Loved One with Memory Issues

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Providing Help to Someone with Memory Issues

Helping a loved one with memory issues can be challenging. Whether it's normal forgetfulness or a condition like Alzheimer's, giving the proper support makes a big difference in their life. Dr. Curtis Cripe shares some easy and effective ways to help and care for someone with memory issues. 

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Patience and understanding.

Memory issues can be frustrating for both the individual and their loved ones. Practice patience and understanding. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, repeating information calmly and avoiding showing frustration is important, as it helps create a positive and supportive environment.

Use memory aids.

Encourage the use of memory aids such as calendars, notes, and reminders. These tools can serve as visual cues to help jog their memory and keep track of important tasks and events.

Stay active together.

Engaging in physical activities together not only promotes overall well-being but also benefits cognitive function. Consider taking walks, practicing light exercises, or participating in activities that they enjoy to keep both body and mind active.

Foster a supportive environment.

Create a supportive living space. Dr. Curtis Cripe advises keeping commonly used items easily accessible, labeling drawers and cabinets, and minimizing clutter. An organized environment can reduce confusion and make daily life more manageable.

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Encourage social interaction.

Isolation can exacerbate memory issues. Encourage social interaction with friends, family, or community groups. Meaningful connections contribute to emotional well-being and provide a sense of belonging.

Provide nutritious meals.

A well-balanced diet is essential for brain health. Ensure that your loved one has access to nutritious meals and stays hydrated. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for cognitive function.

Seek professional help

Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance. Consult with healthcare professionals specializing in memory care for the right diagnosis and care on managing memory-related issues. Dr. Curtis Cripe shares that support groups can also offer valuable insights and emotional support.

Prioritize safety.

Safety is a priority. Make necessary adjustments to the living environment to prevent accidents or injuries. Install handrails, remove tripping hazards, and ensure that the home is a safe and secure space.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of the NTL Group is an expert in various fields, including neuroengineering. For more on his professional and academic background, visit this page. 

Dr. Curtis Cripe Shares Info on How Procedural Memory Works

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How The Brain Processes Procedural Memory

Procedural memory is an exciting part of the brain that helps us do things automatically, like tying shoelaces or riding a bike, without thinking too hard about it. Step into the world of procedural memory and explore the insights provided by Dr. Curtis Cripe, a renowned neuroscientist.

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Procedural memory is long-term memory responsible for storing information about how to perform various actions and tasks. Unlike other forms of memory that involve conscious effort and recall, procedural memory operates more subconsciously. It's why you can effortlessly tie your shoelaces without thinking about the steps involved.

Dr. Curtis Cripe, a distinguished expert in neuroscience, sheds light on the mechanisms behind procedural memory. This type of memory is closely linked to the basal ganglia, a group of structures responsible for motor control and habit formation in the brain.

As explained by Dr. Curtis Cripe, one of the fascinating aspects of procedural memory is its resistance to decay. Unlike other types of memory that may fade over time, procedural memory tends to persist, often throughout one's lifetime. That is why individuals can ride a bike even after years of not doing so.

Understanding procedural memory is handy for learning and sports. Teachers can use it to make learning new skills easier. Athletes can enhance their performance by honing their procedural memory for specific actions and techniques. Individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries can benefit from procedural memory in regaining motor skills.

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Procedural memory enables us to perform countless tasks with ease and efficiency. It is like your brain's autopilot, and Dr. Curtis Cripe's insights help us appreciate how it works, making learning and doing everyday tasks a bit simpler. Procedural memory is like a trusty sidekick in the brain, quietly helping us do things we've mastered. Thanks to experts, we're gaining a better understanding of how it works. It means more effective ways to learn, improve our skills, and recover after setbacks. So, the next time you effortlessly tie your shoelaces or play a musical tune, you can thank your procedural memory for making it all feel like second nature.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of the NTL Group is an expert in various fields, including neuroengineering. Learn more about his professional and academic background on this page.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Can You Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Reducing Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is one of the diseases that people want to avoid. Right now, there is no scientifically proven way to prevent it. But there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting it, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Doctors don't know exactly why Alzheimer's strikes some people and not others, why it worsens with age, or how to cure it.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe notes that it's true that older people are more susceptible to Alzheimer's, but it's not a normal part of aging. It's also true that gene glitches make an individual more likely to get it.

You can't control your genes or aging, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about the disease. In fact, the healthy habits that are good for your heart —and the rest of your body — could also help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's. And a lot of this comes down to simple things you already do regularly.

Manage your numbers.

Do you know if your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure are too high? Research suggests strong connections between Alzheimer's and conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Many people don't even know that they have these conditions. A medical screening can let you know. Your doctor can help you manage any health issues you may have.

Check your weight.

If you have a lot of pounds to lose, start working on shedding those pounds and keeping them off, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. It could also help reduce your risk. One study found that obesity changes the brain, increasing the odds of getting Alzheimer's.

Challenge your mind.

People who stay social and keep learning may be less likely to get Alzheimer's disease, according to some studies. It's not completely clear yet, but mentally stimulating activities may be like a workout for your brain.

Dr. Curtis Cripe's professional and academic background spans several disciplines, including engineering, software development, psychology (health psychology and behavioral medicine), and bioengineering. He currently heads the research and development department at NTL Group. For similar blogs and articles, bookmark this link.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How You Can Make Your Brain Tougher

 

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Dr. Curtis Cripe: More Tips to Toughen Up Your Brain

Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group's research and development department has stressed the importance of exercise and a healthy diet when caring for the brain. He has mentioned that these activities have made the brain tougher and more resilient.

The human brain can change and adapt remarkably well. Its resilience to both physical damage and emotional stress is astounding, especially if the brain is in excellent condition. Constant mental and physical actions play a role in preventing or slowing the onset of damage from degenerative mental illnesses.

People can keep their brains in shape through mentally intensive activities such as learning a new language or a stimulating hobby. These activities challenge the brain, encouraging the formation of new connections and the constant reinforcement of older ones.

Likewise, eating a balanced diet delivers nutrients that nourish the brain, whereas keeping the body active improves cardiovascular health, promotes better circulation, and helps prevent strokes.

However, did you know there are other, more non-conventional ways to keep your brain strong?

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For example, when a person brushes their teeth with their non-dominant hand, they use the opposite side of their brain. It can result in a substantial and rapid expansion in the parts of the cortex which control and process information from the hand.

Dr. Curtis Cripe also mentions that when you shower with your eyes closed, your hands will notice the varying textures of your own body that you don't usually see. Your hands will then send messages back to your brain.

Also, when you switch seats at the table, your brain will benefit from the new experience. Dr. Curtis Cripe says that you can switch seats to change the position you occupy, who you relate to, your view of the room, and how you reach for objects on the dinner table.

All these things keep your brain active and make it stronger.

Dr. Curtis Cripe, head of research and development at NTL Group, expounds on other topics related to his expertise and work on his blogs. Find some of his posts page.

How to Remember Things Better: A Guide by Dr. Curtis Cripe

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Remembering Details Better

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Memory athletes are nothing short of impressive. They are so adept at memorizing what they read, see, or hear that they can do it competitively. Memory athletes have even broken some of the most incredible world records. You might wonder if these cognitive feats are achievable through intense and regular brain training. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, the short answer is yes.

Dr. Curtis Cripe, the head of NTL Group's research and development, mentions that you can train your brain to remember more things and smaller details more vividly. It may seem not easy, but with the right techniques, you can improve your memory retention significantly. Imagine easily recalling important details from a meeting or remembering every item on your grocery list without needing to check it twice.

Recent researchers have found that people who regularly work on their memory enhancement techniques can improve their memory. It is the practice done by memory athletes who compete in competitions. Yes, there are actual memory competitions, and they are quite exciting.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe explains that these athletes spend their time effectively and efficiently developing new neural connections throughout their brains. It has been observed that these connections remain intact four months later, even without further training.

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, easy-to-follow steps are incorporated into everyday life to improve memory. It may not be enough to make you a competitive memory athlete, but you will probably experience a huge improvement in remembering things.

On the internet, Dr. Curtis Crips says you can also find training platforms, programs, and apps to help boost your memory. He recommends these if the usual brain games and exercises are insufficient. Even without following the strictest scheduling for working your brain out, improving your memory is very much possible.

Do you have a system of remembering things? Is it helpful in your daily routine? What improvements would you want to make to remember things better? Director and head of NTL Group's research and development team Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., shares his knowledge on the brain to help readers everywhere understand it more. You can find more of his articles by clicking this link.

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Connecting the Brain to Computers

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Can Brain-Computer Interfaces Exist?

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Researchers, scientists, and engineers are getting ever-so-closer to developing a brain-to-computer interface. The plan is to put people's thoughts in digitized form, which is only seen in science fiction films. Dr. Curtis Cripe has mentioned that this is especially helpful for people who cannot communicate, such as patients struggling with complete locked-in syndrome.

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, researchers and engineers have tried to see if an interface that uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or NIRS, would work. Through this method, they would measure brain hemodynamic responses usually associated with neuronal activity.

The human brain is an incredibly complex and intricate organ, and scientists have long been exploring ways to connect it with technology to enhance its abilities. One such endeavor involves using neuroelectrical technology like an EEG to create a brain-computer interface. With this technology, it was hoped that patients suffering from completely locked-in syndrome could communicate with the outside world, giving them a voice and a means to interact with loved ones. Unfortunately, experiments with this approach ultimately failed to yield the desired results. Despite these setbacks, scientists will continue exploring new ways to connect the brain with technology and create life-changing breakthroughs for those suffering from debilitating conditions.

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This latest technique, though, Dr. Curtis Cripe mentions, seemed to give hope to the study. It is a non-invasive brain-computer interface that combines NIRS and EEG technologies. This method measures frontocentral blood oxygen levels and electrical changes in the brain.

Brain-computer interfaces have helped patients communicate; however, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that the NIRS is the only technique that works on patients with complete lock-in syndrome.

It also comes as very welcome news for people unable to communicate because of other health reasons, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, which can lead to paralysis later, or those paralyzed from a stroke or a spinal cord injury.

Finally, Dr. Curtis Cripe points out that this is just the beginning, and studies on brain-computer interfaces are projected to have even broader applications in the future.

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Connecting the Brain to Computers

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Can Brain-Computer Interfaces Exist?

Image source: bbc.co.uk

Researchers, scientists, and engineers are getting ever-so-closer to developing a brain-to-computer interface. The plan is to put people's thoughts in digitized form, which is only seen in science fiction films. Dr. Curtis Cripe has mentioned that this is especially helpful for people who cannot communicate, such as patients struggling with complete locked-in syndrome.

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, researchers and engineers have tried to see if an interface that uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or NIRS, would work. Through this method, they would measure brain hemodynamic responses usually associated with neuronal activity.

The human brain is an incredibly complex and intricate organ, and scientists have long been exploring ways to connect it with technology to enhance its abilities. One such endeavor involves using neuroelectrical technology like an EEG to create a brain-computer interface. With this technology, it was hoped that patients suffering from completely locked-in syndrome could communicate with the outside world, giving them a voice and a means to interact with loved ones. Unfortunately, experiments with this approach ultimately failed to yield the desired results. Despite these setbacks, scientists will continue exploring new ways to connect the brain with technology and create life-changing breakthroughs for those suffering from debilitating conditions.

Image source: singularityhub.com

This latest technique, though, Dr. Curtis Cripe mentions, seemed to give hope to the study. It is a non-invasive brain-computer interface that combines NIRS and EEG technologies. This method measures frontocentral blood oxygen levels and electrical changes in the brain.

Brain-computer interfaces have helped patients communicate; however, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that the NIRS is the only technique that works on patients with complete lock-in syndrome.

It also comes as very welcome news for people unable to communicate because of other health reasons, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, which can lead to paralysis later, or those paralyzed from a stroke or a spinal cord injury.

Finally, Dr. Curtis Cripe points out that this is just the beginning, and studies on brain-computer interfaces are projected to have even broader applications in the future.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is the head of research and development at NTL Group, which is made up of an international team of neuroengineers and neuroscientists from multiple disciplines to bring the latest in neuro technology and programs. In Dr. Cripe's series of posts here, he shares his insights on neuroscience, neuroengineering, psychology, and other related subjects.

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Kids Learning About Parkinson's

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Make Children Aware of Parkinson's

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As parents, our first instinct is to shield our children from anything that might cause emotional distress. It's only natural to want to protect our little ones from the world's harsh realities. But sometimes, life throws us unexpected curveballs that we can't avoid. It might be a difficult diagnosis for a family member, like Parkinson's, that we can't keep hidden from our children.

While it might be uncomfortable for them to hear about these things, it's important to remember that kiddos are quite resilient. They have an amazing capacity to understand complex situations, and it's our job to help them healthily process the information. Though we might want to shield them from the difficult things, it's ultimately better to approach these situations honestly and openly. After all, knowledge is power, and having the right information can help children feel more in control and better equipped to handle any challenges the future might bring.

Teaching children about sensitive issues like honesty can be daunting, but Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group believes it is paramount. A child's ability to understand and practice honesty can shape their future relationships, trustworthiness, and decision-making abilities.

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He has always stressed the importance of being truthful and transparent in personal interactions and our professional lives. As a parent or educator, it is crucial to instill these values in children, creating a foundation of respect and integrity for them to build upon. Dr. Cripe's dedication to honesty and integrity is a positive example for children and adults.

Parkinson's will change their daily lives, especially if the patient lives in the same home. In these cases, children should learn everything they can about the diagnosis to adjust and maybe even help.

Depending on the age of the children, this should be done using simple terms, as appropriate.

Kids should also be encouraged to ask questions, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. For example, it's natural for children to ask if the diagnosis is fatal as they might be scared. However, it's best to consult a counselor or doctor if parents don't know how to answer sensitive questions like these. Some therapists can help children of parents with diseases like Parkinson's and cancer.

Children should also understand how they can help the patient and the rest of the family following a member's diagnosis. The illness can affect the whole family. It means that children will also have to make adjustments to their lifestyles. For example, they may take on appropriate chores and responsibilities for their age and abilities.

Additionally, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that there are some books like "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease" by Rasheda Ali Walsh and Dr. Soania Mathur's "Shaky Hands – A Kid's Guide to Parkinson's Disease," which may be of great help in making children aware of Parkinson's.

For more insights from NTL Group's Dr. Curtis Cripe, click on this link.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Learning About the Doorway Effect

Dr. Curtis Cripe: What Does the Doorway Effect Imply?

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The Doorway Effect has puzzled experts for years, leading them to question how the brain forms memories. Dr. Curtis Cripe, head of NTL Group's research and development, has devoted his time to unraveling this mysterious phenomenon.

As humans, we often go from one room to another and forget what we were looking for. This perplexing effect happens because crossing a threshold creates a mental pause, and our brain tries to move on to the next task too quickly. Dr. Cripe's extensive research has shed light on the Doorway Effect, allowing us to understand how the brain functions and how we can improve our cognitive abilities. As we delve deeper into this mesmerizing topic, we realize how little we know about our minds.

Going through doorways has a seemingly inexplicable effect on human memory. For example, you go to the kitchen to get a can of corned beef from your pantry. When you pass through the doorway, there is a possibility that you suddenly forget what you had to do initially. Psychologists refer to this as the Doorway Effect.

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Studies have shown that doorways represent the boundaries between one context and another, Dr. Curtis Cripe notes. By context, research suggests rooms where a person moves as they pass through a doorway. That so-called boundary, in this context, segments thoughts and experiences into separate events. It's as though, in your mind, these parts are being partitioned for later use. In some ways, these boundaries help define what could be relevant from one situation to the next.

That said, when you transfer from one room to another, there is a chance that the relevant information taken from a previous room may be lost. The relevant ideas in the next room may replace or flush out this information.

In the end, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that the doorway effect points to how people remember things and that there's always more to remember than what people have been paying attention to when it happens. That said, there's also an effort to keep the memories.

On a final note, the brain seems to optimize various forms of memory to keep the information ready to move when it expires; and it appears to shelve that information when a new one has arrived.

Dr. Curtis Cripe has a diverse multidisciplinary background, including neuroengineering technology, aerospace engineering, software development, and addiction recovery. He is the head of research and development at the NTL Group. More on Dr. Cripe and his work here.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How Mental Health Treatment Starts

Dr. Curtis Cripe on the First Step in Mental Health Treatment

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Mental health care is an important part of overall wellness, and beginning the journey starts with understanding how mental health treatment works. From initial assessments to goal-setting strategies, putting a plan into place can support individuals in achieving healthier mindsets and more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group's research and development team has used his knowledge and experience to help people with mental health issues. He is a neuro engineer who has also extended his reach to aid other at-risk individuals and children with developmental delays. During his free time, Dr. Curtis Cripe has written several blogs and articles on top of his essays and papers to share his expertise with everyone online.

Today, Dr. Curtis Cripe discusses what mental health patients go through during treatment. He hopes to promote better understanding and eliminate any stigma against these individuals.

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When a person seeks psychological and medical help, they often need to undergo a healing process. They feel that something is not quite right with them. That said, there are also cases wherein people with mental health issues do not know they need professional help.

Sometimes, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that people with mental health issues need to be convinced to seek this help. It is always a huge breakthrough when people admit they need help. The first step in the healing process is to recognize that they cannot do it alone.

Without this crucial first step, a patient will never be open to mental health professionals or anyone who wants to help. On the side of mental health professionals, earning patients' trust allows all parties to paint a clearer picture of the real issue.

Dr. Curtis Cripe also says that when patients accept that they need help, sessions with therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals tend to go more smoothly and are more productive.

Dr. Curtis Cripe's professional and academic background spans several disciplines, including engineering, software development, psychology (health psychology and behavioral medicine), and bioengineering. He currently heads the research and development department at NTL Group. For similar blogs and articles, bookmark this link.

Dr. Curtis Cripe on the Brain and Human Intelligence

Dr. Curtis Cripe Discusses Human Intelligence

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According to Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group, people have wondered about the differences in human abilities for centuries. But it wasn't until 1885, when Francis Galton developed a revolutionary way to measure intelligence, that we could begin to answer these questions with scientific precision - driving forward our understanding of how intelligent individuals are.

As Dr. Curtis Cripe points out, Intelligence is an invaluable asset, allowing us to use our problem-solving and analytical skills to succeed. Adaptability is also a cornerstone contributing significantly towards intelligence; without flexibility or malleability, we cannot confront unfamiliar situations successfully. Intelligence tests are one way for measuring this cognitive capacity — albeit not always the most accurate means.

In 1905, the French government had a problem: how could they best measure intelligence? That's when Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon stepped in with their groundbreaking solution — IQ tests. These revolutionary exams defined intelligence as an individual's capacity to think critically, solve problems logically, and reason eloquently; soon enough, these examinations would shape our modern understanding of intellectual capability.

In 1938, Louis Thurstone put the intelligence of many students to the test. After examining their performance on 56 special assessments, he proposed what could be considered a groundbreaking theory: seven key components exist that help form and measure human intellect. These include verbal comprehension, fluency skills for numbers and language alike, memory capacity; spatial visualization ability; reasoning proficiency; plus perceptual speed - all integral parts of understanding one's IQ.

Howard Gardner's groundbreaking theory of multiple intelligences revolutionized conceptions about human cognitive capability in the late 20th century. By employing a neuropsychological approach to analyzing brain function and ability, he shattered traditional notions regarding intellect - pushing us to appreciate the broad range of our mental aptitudes.

These days, Dr. Curtis Cripe mentions that though opinions still differ on what constitutes intelligence, there is a growing consensus that IQ alone cannot measure one's intellect. Rather than relying solely upon academic accomplishments to define success, we should acknowledge and celebrate all talents - from music and art to sports or computing - as valuable aspects of intelligent expression. By doing so, we demonstrate an appreciation for diversity in talent while promoting excellence across multiple arenas.

What about you? How do you define intelligence in your own words? Thank you for reading.

Director and head of NTL Group's research and development team Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., shares his knowledge on the brain to help readers everywhere understand it more. You can find more of his articles on this page.

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Developmental Speech Delays

Dr. Curtis Cripe Talks About Developmental Speech Delays

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Speech delay can be a real challenge for children and their families, but understanding the possible causes is key. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe from NTL Group, it could stem from oral or hearing issues; or, in some cases, an autism spectrum disorder. Working with your child's healthcare provider early on should help identify any underlying factors affecting speech development.

Every parent has an incredibly powerful role in their child's communication development. Taking proactive steps like monitoring progress can ensure that children reach their full potential in speech.

Parents can play a major role in cultivating their child's speech development by creating an interactional atmosphere that encourages expression. From reading stories and playing music and videos to singing nursery rhymes or imitating animal sounds — there are countless creative ways for children to explore communication through sound. By manifesting these early experiences with the world of language, parents set toddlers up for successful future conversations.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe advises that the key is patience to fostering language in children. Don't expect them to start talking immediately - give your child time, and don't be discouraged if they aren't repeating words or phrases after a few attempts. Instead of bombarding toddlers with lengthy conversations, keeping things simple can encourage learning – three to five-word responses are ideal for facilitating understanding.

Despite being nonverbal, children with speech delays can still understand and respond to their environment. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, forcing a child into this situation might be too overwhelming – instead, try observing the subtle cues they give off through body language, so you don't miss out on any meaningful communication.

Parents who suspect their child may have a speech delay should consult with experts in the field, such as a Neurologist, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), or Otologist. These professionals will help pinpoint any underlying issues and develop strategies to overcome them.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of the NTL Group is well-versed in various disciplines, including neuroengineering and brain development. Read more of his insights and learn more about his professional and academic background by visiting his page on the NTL Group website.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: The Brain's Reticular System

Dr. Curtis Cripe Talks About the Reticular System

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The reticular system of the brain is a network of interconnected neurons. The system extends from the medulla oblongata to the thalamus. It regulates many vital functions. These functions include wakefulness, attention, and motor control.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group's research and development team notes that the reticular system is divided into two main regions. The first is the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). The second is the descending reticular inhibiting system (DRIS). The ARAS is responsible for promoting wakefulness and alertness. The DRIS regulates sleep and relaxation.

The reticular system plays quite a role in the brain's reward system. It is responsible for releasing dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. The dopamine release in the reward system makes activities such as eating, sex, and exercising pleasurable.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe says that dopamine plays a major role in addiction and substance abuse. For example, illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin cause a large dopamine release in the brain's reward system. This leads to the infamous feeling of drug-induced euphoria.

The reticular system is also involved in learning and memory. It is necessary for the formation of new memories. Moreover, it helps in the consolidation of old ones.

Common problems with the reticular system include sleep disorders and addiction. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also a known issue in this system. Treatment for these conditions often focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters.

Specialists who research the reticular system are called neuroscientists. They use a variety of tools and techniques to study the brain. These include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used as well, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Dr. Curtis Cripe, head of research and development at NTL Group, expounds on other topics related to his expertise and work on his blogs. Find some of his posts page.