HEALTH & FITNESS alternatives Memory Art Sharpening awareness. Suzanne Chessler Besides calling attention to scientific research and a number of anonymous patients, she describes trying out the athryn Jakobson Ramin, in her medical approaches recommended by spe- 40s, was scared in a way she had cialists across the country. The author will never been before. A busy wife, discuss her findings at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. mother and writer, Ramin 16, at the Jewish Community Center realized her thinking quickly in West Bloomfield as part of the was turning foggy. 56th annual Jewish Book Fair. Why couldn't she find She has some good news to words and phrases that had report about improvements in come so easily in the past? herself and scientific advances. In What happened to infor- the course of writing her book, she mation she had just read? gladly noted increasing commu- Where were the kinds of nication among researchers repre- appointment notations that senting different disciplines. Cathryn previously stayed clear in her Jakobson R amin "I feel I got a large part of the way mental calendar? toward what I set out to do:' says Ramin, almost instinctively, resorted Ramin, 50, who worked nearly five years to her career training as an investigative on the project and planned bar mitzvah reporter to find some answers; and the celebrations for her two sons in the midst result is the book Carved in Sand: When of her writing. Attention Fails and Memory Fades in "I go through 10 interventions where I Midge (HarperCollins; $24.97). look at every aspect of memory, attention Special to the Jewish News C and cognition as they relate to the middle-aged person, most spe- cifically myself. I am the one who had the PET scan, saw the thyroid specialist and experienced two weeks of neurofeedback." While Ramin's own problems and remedies remain central to the narrative, the book also is based on some 300 interviews with professionals and some 300 interviews with people confront- ing issues related to forgetfulness. David E. Meyer, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, is a nearby researcher referenced by the author, who delves into his suggestion about handling tasks when memory is slipping. Meyer believes people will have easier times completing tasks if they are done one at a time, without venturing midstream into other responsibilities. Although Carved in Sand reports no studies specific to the Jewish population, the author does see a Jewish connection personally and culturally. "I know that Jews are particularly con- cerned with memory;' she says. "We deal daily with types of celebrations that dwell heavily in that realm, and it's very important to look back, see who came before us and recall how life was handled. "We're talking about all that when we go to services and 40- read the Talmud, and there are things that we have a commit- ment not to forget, certainly the Holocaust" Ramin's work on memory continues after the book. The author keeps in touch with the experts and the patients inter- viewed, and she now is exploring issues involving sleep and how they affect brain functioning. One overriding piece of advice is that people acknowledge that they have memory problems so they can address them promptly. "I feel that I've become much more strate- gic, and my family and friends have started to pick up on what I do:' says Ramin, who reveals how she has altered her diet, exercise and social outlook. "I have days where I'm kicking myself for the things I forget, but they are very rare now My performance is much better, and I can get up and address an audience never using notes." The Facts About Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis is a narrowing in the lumbar spinal canal, a very small space in the lower spine that carries nerves to the legs. After many years, this space can become even smaller, if the surrounding bone and tissue begin to grow. Neural Claudication is relatively easy to diagnose. Physicians can usu- ally determine if a patient has the condition by asking a battery of questions. However, special tests and x-rays of the spine are often required. Arthritis, falls, accidents and wear and tear on the bones and joints in the spine also play a part in Stenosis. As the lumbar spinal canal shrinks, the nerves within it become squeezed and can cause chronic back and leg pain, as well as leg weakness. STENOSIS VS. RUPTURED DISC: "Many patients confuse Stenosis with a ruptured disc," says Dr. Radden. "However, they are not the same thing." A ruptured (or herniated) disc usually pinches one or two nerves at a time. The resulting pain, called Sciatica, is caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine and causes back pain that shoots down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when standing up or walking. The pain and weakness associated with Stenosis is usually described as a burning or prickly feeling which begins in the buttocks and spreads down to the feet when standing up, walking or exercising. Unfortunately, many adults suffer from this condition. OTHER FACTORS: "Legs might also feel cramped, tired, or weak," says Dr. Louis Radden, D.O., a St. Joseph Mercy Oakland orthopedic surgeon. "This usually points to a condition known as Neural Claudi- cation of the legs. For patients with Stenosis, the Claudication starts when standing up. Pain may worsen when walking, but will most likely get better when walking stops." Also, crouching down or lying in a fetal position has been shown to re- lieve symptoms, since it's believed that these positions open the lum- bar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs. 6621 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield 2484614700 A40 October 25 • 2007 TREATMENT OPTIONS: Several treatment options are available for Stenosis and Neural Claudication, depending on the extremity of symptoms. If the pain is mild and hasn't been present for long, an exercise or physical therapy program to strengthen back muscles and improve posture is usually effective. A physician may also prescribe medication for inflammation in the backbone. Dr. Radden notes that with severe back pain and Neural Claudication, however, spinal surgery may be required to take the pressure off the nerves in the lower spine. SPINE SPECIALISTS OF MICHIGAN RC. Dr. Louis N. Radden RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINE SURGERY 30055 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 270 Farmington Hills 248465-42W