Smoking and Schizophrenia

Thanks to research advances, scientists are learning how and why smoking and schizophrenia are so tightly linked. Nicotine — in cigarettes and other forms — appears to help normalize some of the cognitive and sensory deficits that people with this disorder experience. Scientists have looked inside the brain to uncover regions involved in deficits of schizophrenia and to learn how and where nicotine works to combat them. Now, enhanced knowledge is helping scientists develop drugs to treat this debilitating disorder.

To view the rest of this article click on the link below

http://www.brainfacts.org/diseases-disorders/psychiatric-disorders/articles/2008/smoking-and-schizophrenia/

Frequent marijuana use associated with long-term memory loss

Past research has shown that daily marijuana use can cause problems with short-term memory loss and even make changes in the brain.  New research is showing that daily smoking can cause long-term memory deficits.

To read a good article on this subject click on the link below.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/03/12/frequent-marijuana-use-associated-with-long-term-memory-loss/

Kings County Chapter SSNS Meeting Announcement

A discussion about Peer Support in our Valley.

Presenters, Candy O’Brien (CMHA –Kings, Project H.O.P.E) and Joseph MacGillivray (Evangeline Club) will talk about what it means to BE and HAVE Peer Support and Dr. Roger Cann will discuss “Your Recovery Journey” a course sponsored by the Schizophrenia Society.

The meeting will be held on March 18, 7:00 pm. at the

Louis Millet Community Complex

9489 Commercial St

New Minas

Everyone Welcome

Nova Scotia: Together We Can Strategy

The Nova Scotia government has developed a new strategy called, Together We Can.  The purpose of this plan is to improve the mental health and addiction services in Nova Scotia. We definitely need a lot of improvements.  The government has already started implementing this plan.

To view the official document describing this plan click on the link below.

http://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/reports/Mental-Health-and-Addictions-Strategy-Together-We-Can.pdf

To view the 1 year update on the plan click on the link below.

http://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/reports/MHS-Together-We-Can-One-Year-Update.pdf

Childhood Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia in children is a very serious disorder of the brain.  They do not interpret reality properly.  Children experience deficits in thinking, have behavioral  and emotional problems. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and behavior.  The symptomology varies among individuals but all are not able to function properly.

Here is the link to the article I based my paragraph on.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20029260