Posted on Neurodiversity

A New Definition of Dyslexia: Why It Matters and What’s Changing

Multiple sclerosis and hand writing

Dyslexia is a word many of us have heard, but few truly understand it. Recently, new research has brought to light the pressing need for a fresh definition of this learning disorder to support better those who struggle with it.

The Problem with Current Definitions#

Over the years, dyslexia has been defined in various ways. This inconsistency has led to a “postcode lottery” for children who may have dyslexia or those diagnosed but unable to access the support they need. The lack of a clear, universal definition means that the help available can vary dramatically depending on where you live.

The Call for Change

According to new research, the first step to resolving this issue is to redefine dyslexia and adopt this new definition across the UK. Conducted by the University of Birmingham, along with the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), Kings College London, and the University of Oxford, this research was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry on February 25th.

What Experts are Saying

Julia Carroll, a Professor of Psychology in Education at the University of Birmingham who led the study, explains, “There has not been a new attempt to define dyslexia since the Rose Review in 2009. The review significantly influenced practice but has faced criticism over the last 15 years and has not been universally accepted. We need a universal definition for dyslexia to improve support for children experiencing its challenges.”

A Collaborative Effort

To create this new definition, the researchers brought together 58 international experts, including academics, specialist teachers, educational psychologists, and individuals with dyslexia. They voted on key statements about dyslexia, covering six essential areas: definition, intellectual abilities, aetiology (causes), co-occurrence with other disorders, its impact over a lifespan, and common misconceptions.

Out of 42 statements, a consensus of over 80% was achieved, leading to the creation of the new definition of dyslexia:

  1. Processing Difficulties: Dyslexia affects the acquisition of reading and spelling.
  2. Literacy Weakness: Literacy attainment is weak relative to age, teaching, and other attainments.
  3. Reading Fluency: Difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are key markers across languages and age groups.
  4. Continuum of Severity: Dyslexia exists on a continuum and varies in severity.
  5. Influences: Dyslexia’s nature and development are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  6. Impact on Other Skills: It can affect mathematics, reading comprehension, or learning another language.
  7. Cognitive Impairments: The most common impairment is in phonological processing.
  8. Additional Factors: Working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills also contribute.
  9. Co-occurrence with Other Disorders: Dyslexia often co-occurs with other developmental difficulties like ADHD and dyscalculia.

Improving Dyslexia Assessments

In a second study, published in the Dyslexia Journal, the researchers proposed a four-step process for assessing dyslexia:

  1. Rule Out Other Factors: Consider and respond to other possible causes for reading, spelling, or writing difficulties.
  2. Early Intervention: Gather further information and provide additional support quickly.
  3. Evaluate Response: Observe, record, and evaluate the response to interventions.
  4. Comprehensive Assessment: If interventions stall or fail, refer for a thorough assessment by a trained specialist.

The Road Ahead

Professor Carroll concludes, “Dyslexia is a complex learning disorder that can look different from person to person. It can impact education and working life if not identified and addressed properly. By not having a universal process to identify and support people with dyslexia, we are letting down so many of our children and young people. Updating and standardizing the definition and assessment for dyslexia should be a priority if the government is serious about improving SEND provision in schools.”

The call for a new definition of dyslexia is not just about words on paper; it’s about ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive.

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Transformative MS Treatment in Finland

A recent registry study conducted by the University of Oulu has revealed significant improvements in the early-stage treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in Finland between 2013 and 2022. During this period, the approach to diagnosing and treating MS has undergone a remarkable transformation, aligning with the latest scientific evidence and benefiting Finnish patients immensely.

Key Findings

  • Faster Diagnoses: The average time to diagnose relapsing-remitting MS has reduced from ten months in 2013 to just five months today, allowing for earlier treatment initiation.
  • Advanced Treatment Practices: Highly effective medications, which have a stronger impact on the immune system, are now being used as first-line treatments instead of starting with moderately effective medications.
  • Resilient Healthcare: Despite challenges like resource constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been minimal delays in MS diagnosis and treatment.

Research Insights

Principal Investigator Mervi Ryytty from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital highlighted that Finnish neurological patient care now closely follows international research findings, which significantly benefits patients. Additionally, Medical Manager Elina Jokinen from Novartis emphasized the importance of understanding the evolution of MS treatment in Finland, showcasing successful collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and researchers.

Study Details

The research utilized secondary data from the Finnish MS Register, the drug prescription registry of Finnish Insurance Institution (Kela), and the National Care Register for Health Care HILMO. The study was a collaborative effort between the University of Oulu, Novartis Finland Oy, and StellarQ Oy, with contributions from researchers at the Universities of Turku and Helsinki.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form, typically affecting young adults. Although MS cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed with medication, aiming to maintain the patient’s functional ability and quality of life for as long as possible.

Continuous Advances

MS remains an active field of research, with many new treatments introduced in the past decade. Early intensive treatment has been shown to improve the prognosis of relapsing-remitting MS, according to recent international studies.

Posted on Mental health

Top 10 Phobias Revealed

Woman in Medserena Upright Open MRI scanner - no claustrophobia

You might be surprised by some of the top phobias in the UK. Here’s a look at the most-searched fears:

1. Trypophobia (90,171 searches/month): Fear of clusters of small holes or bumps. Even though it’s not officially recognized in medical manuals, many people experience intense discomfort when seeing things like honeycombs or lotus seed pods. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Sarah Paulson have spoken about their struggles with trypophobia.

2. Agoraphobia (77,022 searches/month): Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. This can include open spaces, public transport, or crowded areas. Celebrities like Emma Stone and Zac Efron have shared their experiences with agoraphobia.

3. Emetophobia (43,847 searches/month): Fear of vomiting. This phobia can cause people to avoid certain foods or social events. TV presenter Anthea Turner and actor Bella Ramsey have discussed their challenges with emetophobia.

4. Thalassophobia (24,760 searches/month): Fear of deep bodies of water like oceans or seas. Director Steven Spielberg developed this fear after filming “Jaws,” and former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington also shares this fear.

5. Claustrophobia (23,628 searches/month): Fear of confined spaces such as elevators, tunnels, or crowded rooms. Harry Styles and Justin Bieber have mentioned their discomfort with confined spaces.

6. Arachnophobia (19,801 searches/month): Fear of spiders. Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, and Matt Damon have all shared their fear of spiders.

7. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (17,535 searches/month): Fear of long words. This phobia highlights anxiety about complex vocabulary.

8. Acrophobia (16,834 searches/month): Fear of heights. Chef Gordon Ramsay and actor Liam Neeson have confessed to this fear.

9. Thanatophobia (10,922 searches/month): Fear of death. Billy Bob Thornton and Sidney Poitier have discussed their fears related to death and dying.

10. Coulrophobia (6,981 searches/month): Fear of clowns. Actors Daniel Radcliffe and Johnny Depp have admitted to finding clowns frightening.

Jessica Redman from Didgeheads commented on the findings, noting the variety and prevalence of these phobias. She highlighted how the visibility of celebrities opening up about their experiences can encourage others to seek help.

Phobias can significantly impact daily life, but it’s reassuring to see that people are not alone in their struggles.

Posted on Mental health, Older people's health

Wealth Gap Creating Health Crisis for Over 50s: New Study Exposes Lifestyle Divide and Depression Link!

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: Best Medication for Depression

BREAKING: A shocking new study from the University of Surrey reveals that older adults in lower wealth brackets are nearly three times more likely to be depressed and less likely to meet physical activity and dietary guidelines than their wealthier peers!

The Alarming Findings

  • Huge Disparities in Health: While nearly 70% of older adults reported some form of physical activity, those in the highest wealth quintile were almost twice as likely to be active compared to those in the lowest quintile.
  • Dietary Divide: Over 70% of wealthier adults met the ‘5-a-day’ fruit and vegetable guidelines, whereas only just over 40% of poorer adults did the same.
  • Depression Risk: Poorer adults are nearly three times more likely to experience depression. In the lowest wealth quintile, 32.6% had significant symptoms of depression compared to just 11.1% in the highest wealth quintile.

Expert Insight

Dr. Simon Evans from the University of Surrey warns, “There is a silent emergency brewing in our country. For older people, being in a lower wealth bracket might be a bigger barrier to good health than your age. Urgent action is needed to address these disparities before it’s too late.”

Stark Statistics

  • Exercise and Depression: 30% of inactive individuals experienced depression compared to just 13.7% of those who were active.
  • Diet and Depression: Eating five or more portions of fruits and vegetables daily was linked to lower depression rates, with 23.4% of those not meeting the guidelines experiencing depression versus 15.7% who did.

The Call to Action

This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge the wealth gap in health among older adults. With stark differences in physical activity, diet, and depression risk, it’s clear that wealth disparity is fueling a health crisis that needs immediate attention.

Stay informed and take action to address this growing issue before it’s too late!

Posted on Patient Talk

Find Your Dream Wedding Dress: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gown

The Magic of the Perfect Wedding Dress

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. Whether you envision yourself in a flowing ball gown, a sleek modern silhouette, or a vintage lace masterpiece, the right bridal dress will make you feel radiant, confident, and utterly beautiful.

With so many styles, fabrics, and details to choose from, selecting the perfect gown can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the world of wedding dresses so you can find the one that best suits your style, body shape, and wedding theme.

Choosing the Right Wedding Dress for Your Style

Every bride has a unique vision for her wedding dress. Here are some of the most popular styles to consider:

1. Classic Ball Gown

For brides dreaming of a fairytale wedding, a ball gown is the ultimate choice. This style features a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt, creating a dramatic and elegant look.

2. Elegant A-Line

An A-line wedding dress is universally flattering and works well for all body types. This silhouette is fitted at the top and gradually flares out, offering a timeless and romantic aesthetic.

3. Chic Mermaid or Trumpet Gown

For brides who want to showcase their curves, a mermaid or trumpet-style gown is a stunning option. These styles hug the body before flaring out at the knee, creating a bold and glamorous effect.

4. Sophisticated Sheath Dress

A sheath wedding dress is perfect for brides who prefer a sleek and minimalist look. This style closely follows the body’s natural lines, offering an effortlessly chic appearance.

5. Bohemian Lace and Flowing Fabrics

Boho brides often gravitate toward lace and flowing fabrics, creating an ethereal, whimsical vibe. These dresses are perfect for outdoor, beach, or garden weddings.

How to Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric of your bridal dress plays a significant role in its overall look and feel. Here are some popular options:

  • Lace: Adds a romantic and vintage touch to any gown.
  • Satin: Creates a luxurious and regal look.
  • Chiffon: Light and airy, perfect for a soft, flowing silhouette.
  • Tulle: Adds volume and a dreamy effect.
  • Crepe: A modern choice that drapes beautifully over the body.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Wedding Dresses for Every Body Type

No matter your shape or size, there is a perfect wedding gown for you. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Petite Brides: A-line and sheath dresses elongate the frame.
  • Curvy Brides: Mermaid, ball gown, and A-line dresses enhance curves beautifully.
  • Tall Brides: Column and sheath gowns highlight long frames elegantly.
  • Pear-Shaped Brides: A-line and ball gowns balance proportions.

Why Olivia Bottega Stands Out

With so many wedding dress designers available, it’s important to find one that matches your vision and expectations. Olivia Bottega offers a stunning collection of bridal gowns that blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

Why Choose Olivia Bottega?

  • Unparalleled Craftsmanship: Each gown is meticulously crafted with exquisite attention to detail.
  • Unique and Customizable Designs: Brides can personalize their dress to match their dream vision.
  • Affordable Luxury: High-quality gowns at accessible price points.
  • Diverse Styles: From classic ball gowns to contemporary silhouettes, there’s something for every bride.

If you’re searching for the perfect wedding dress, explore the stunning selection of wedding dress online at Olivia Bottega.

Conclusion: Say Yes to Your Dream Dress

Finding your dream wedding gown is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding planning journey. By considering your personal style, body shape, and wedding theme, you can confidently select a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance, modern minimalism, or bohemian beauty, Olivia Bottega has the perfect wedding dress waiting for you. Start your journey today and find the gown that will make your big day truly unforgettable.