All posts tagged: Verbal

Low doses of lithium may slow verbal memory decline from Alzheimer’s

Low doses of lithium may slow verbal memory decline from Alzheimer’s

Published by Jenni Sidey

A once-daily dose of a medication, which averaged 195 mg, produced blood levels significantly lower than those typically pursued by psychiatrists. However, it succeeded in generating a weak signal concerning the potential influence on memory performance. This is the essence of a two-year placebo-controlled clinical trial studying the effects of low-dose lithium therapy on memory performance in older adults who have mild cognitive impairment. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine conducted the study, which utilized repeated cognitive assessments, neuroimaging data, and blood-based biomarkers to monitor participants over time. The results were published in JAMA Neurology. Lithium has been used for many years as a medication for patients with bipolar disorder. This study examined a different question. It asked how effective long-term therapy with low doses of lithium might be in slowing the decline of memory and cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is often identified before the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. An Existing Medication But with an Alternate Purpose Ariel Gildengers, PhD, was the principal investigator of this clinical trial. …

Haranguing: Verbal Abuse Sessions in Domestic Violence

Haranguing: Verbal Abuse Sessions in Domestic Violence

Published by Jenni Sidey

Co-authored with David Adams, Ed.D. Founder of EmergeDV program for domestic violence offenders. Survivors of coercive control domestic violence often recount “arguments” or “fights” that last hours or days (Fontes, 2015). Beth describes it: “Billy would back me into our bedroom, yelling in my face. He’d curse. He’d tell me that I ruined his life and that I’m a terrible wife and mother. He’d say that everything was my fault and that he was sorry he met me. I’d be sobbing. Whimpering. Shrinking. Trying to explain. In the end, I’d agree with whatever he said and apologize. I’d do anything to make these fights end. But they could go on for hours, sometimes all night. And then I’d have to work the next day. I believed him, that it was all my fault. I just remember trying to not die. When the baby was born, I asked my mom to move in to take him during Billy’s tirades.” These verbal assaults establish abusers’ “ownership” and damage targets’ confidence. Abusers feel more powerful by making their …

The most helpful advice for helping a friend through verbal abuse

The most helpful advice for helping a friend through verbal abuse

Published by Sam Flores

This story is part of Image’s November Kinship issue, celebrating L.A.’s generous spirit and the artistic collaborations that happen among family and friends. My best friend’s husband is verbally abusive toward her. They have been together for over 10 years, and over the last year in particular, his behavior has escalated. I’m concerned for my friend’s safety. I have spoken up because I have witnessed him scream at her, but he claims mental health issues, and she says he can’t help it. How can I help my beloved friend? The depth of your care and concern for your chosen family is palpable, and powerful. As someone who has been on both sides of this equation, the most compassionate parts of my heart are right there with you. It hurts, deeply, to sense that a loved one is hurting. It’s even more devastating to witness that hurt being caused by the person who once made a commitment to cherish and protect them in all circumstances, for always. That kind of betrayal isn’t simple to process, let …