Tinea Capsistis – is a fungal infection of the scalp, hair follicles, eyebrows and lashes. The more common name for this condition is ringworm of the scalp. The fungus invades the hair shafts and the hair breaks of at the scalp line, leaving a stubbly look, and a round hairless spot.

Medications
Any medication can cause hair loss, even if it is not listed as a symptom. Psychopharmaceutical medications which are becoming more commonly prescribed to adolescents are known to cause hair loss in some people. Acne medications derived from vitamin A can cause hair loss. Some anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory medicines list hair loss as a side effect. Any hormonal medication such as birth control pills or steroids can cause hair loss.

Bacterial Infections
Certain bacteria and other microorganism can infect the scalp causing inflammation and hair loss. Hair loss from scalp infections may be temporary or permanent depending on the degree of damage. (more…)

Lifestyle factors are important. For example, studies have shown reduced cognitive decline amongst older people who walk regularly. By exercising for a fit body, you also benefit from improved blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which improves mental acuity, balance and motor skills as well. Exercise also causes the release of “feel good hormones” or endorphins.  Some depressed people benefit so much from exercise that they are able to forgo their antidepressants, which are sometimes the cause of memory problems. Another benefit of exercise was seen in a study where it  was found that the brain produced significantly more of an important brain cell protein growth factor after exercise, increasing mental acuity and memory.

People who eat a lot of leafy green vegetables and eat fish at least once a week have also been found to show reduced cognitive decline with aging. Another important finding is that sugar can be a cause of memory decline. Studies have shown reduced blood supply to the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, an area involved in memory formation, after a high sugar meal resulting in a blood sugar spike. This is a finding that has been seen in diabetics. It is therefore very important to watch your diet and to control diabetes. (more…)

When a person grows old, the body eventually gets weaker, since it has been alive and functioning for the past, let’s say, seventy years. The body is strong enough to stand the test of time, at least for a hundred years or so. Of course, it depends on the person if he/ she maintains their health and body to last them through their golden years. But not all people endure being old. A lot of cases concerning health conditions are showing through old age. Since the body gets weaker, it is more prone to illnesses and diseases that may harm or hurt the person more, hence, they have become more vulnerable to such conditions.

A common type of arthritis that affects people over the age of 60, is osteoarthritis. Since symptoms of arthritis are mainly regarded as joint inflammation, or the feeling of pain or stiffness, this type of arthritis also has the same conditions, but is occurring mostly when of old age. Aches and swelling with weakened motion in the joints, particularly hands, hips, knees or spine are the common symptoms of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), osteoarthritis is described as the deterioration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint; also bony overgrowth. Basically, this illness is breaking down a person’s cartilage. Since the cartilage is the tissue that is wrapped around the ends of the joint, having this joint disease will make the bones rub together, causing joint damage over time. (more…)