“Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after.” — Jonathan Swift DURING A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION after a talk I recently gave, I was asked for my opinion about the vaccine/autism controversy. That was easy: my opinion is that there is no controversy. The evidence is in. The scientific… read more "Vaccines & Autism: A Deadly Manufactroversy"
Gingko Isn’t Smart
Millions of people take Gingko biloba because they think it keeps them smart. A recent study suggests they might be smarter to save their money ($107 million was spent on gingko in 2007 in the US alone). Gingko has been touted for everything from altitude sickness to tinnitus, but the main… read more "Gingko Isn’t Smart"
Peruvian Hamsters and Autism: Cui Bono?
Some people are very invested in the idea that thimerosal in vaccines causes autism. They have looked and looked, but have been unable to find enough credible evidence to convince the scientific community. Thimerosal was removed from US vaccines several years ago, and you might have thought that would end… read more "Peruvian Hamsters and Autism: Cui Bono?"
Can Psychosis be Prevented?
I recently read an article in Discover magazine entitled “Stop the Madness.” It was about a new treatment program that allegedly can prevent schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. I found it very disturbing. The PIER (Portland Identification and Early Referral) program was founded by a psychiatrist, Dr. William McFarlane,… read more "Can Psychosis be Prevented?"
SPECT Scans at the Amen Clinic – A New Phrenology?
Phrenology was a 19th century pseudoscience that claimed to associate brain areas with specific personality traits. It was based on palpating bumps on the skull and was totally bogus. New brain imaging procedures are giving us real insights into brain function in health and disease. They are still blunt instruments,… read more "SPECT Scans at the Amen Clinic – A New Phrenology?"
Thoughts on Neuroplasticity
I recently read a fascinating book, The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge. He describes case histories and research indicating that the brain is far more malleable than we once thought. We used to think each function was localized to a small area of the brain and if you lost that… read more "Thoughts on Neuroplasticity"
A Skeptical View of SPECT Scans and Dr. Daniel Amen
Daniel G. Amen, M.D., runs the Amen Clinics, writes books, gives lectures, maintains a Web site, and makes other media appearances. He recommends single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to help diagnose and manage cases of brain trauma, underachievement, school failure, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, aggressiveness, cognitive decline, and brain… read more "A Skeptical View of SPECT Scans and Dr. Daniel Amen"
Dr. Daniel Amen’s Response to Criticism on Quackwatch
Daniel G. Amen, M.D., runs the Amen Clinics, writes books, gives lectures, maintains a Web site, and makes other media appearances. He recommends single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to help diagnose and manage cases of brain trauma, underachievement, school failure, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, aggressiveness, cognitive decline, and brain… read more "Dr. Daniel Amen’s Response to Criticism on Quackwatch"