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  Neuroscience
 
    Neuroscience deals with problems of the nervous system, including mental illnesses such as depression, neuropathic pain, epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

According to the World Heath Organization there are roughly 450 million people around the world with mental illnesses, most of whom receive no treatment whatsoever; 120 million of these people suffer from depression.
 
 
 
Depression
     
A person suffering from depression will experience extreme feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. This impairs quality of life, affects the ability to work and socialise, undermines general health and can, in extreme cases, lead to self-destructive behaviour and even suicide.

Depression is very common, especially among adolescents. Women are twice as likely as men to likely to suffer depression.

Inherited genetic factors have been linked with depression, but they are not the only causes. The stresses and strains of modern life play a major role. The loss of a friend or relative, or a substantial disappointment at home or work, can play a major role in the onset of depression.

Other factors contributing to depression can include:
  • Prolonged or chronic illness or pain
  • Drug abuse
  • Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal
  • Hormone changes due to pregnancy or menstruation
 
 
Neuropathic Pain
     
Neuropathic pain is pain resulting from damage to the central nervous system. It is a complex disorder, with many symptoms and signs that fluctuate in number and intensity. It is associated with other conditions, including diabetes mellitus, shingles and HIV (Human Immunideficiency Virus).

Different patients experience different types of pain. Some describe their pain as being like electric shocks, others like broken glass, deep aching, jabbing, cramping, squeezing, sunburn or spasms.
 
 
 
Alzheimer's
     
Alzheimer's is an illness that makes it hard for people to remember, think, and use language. It can make them act strange or seem moody. After a while, people with Alzheimer's have a hard time coping with such everyday activities as using the phone, cooking or handling money.

Sadly, many people think the early symptoms of Alzheimer's are signs of normal aging. Because of this, Alzheimer's is often not diagnosed and treated early. The disease is more common in older adults, and it affects all races. About 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's. This rises to as many as 5 in 10 people over the age of 85.
 
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