Mystery of the brain

The brain is perhaps the body’s most mysterious organ. While we don’t fully understand many of its functions, medical experts are making progress.

National dementia specialist, Dr. Joseph Quinn, will discuss this topic at a free community education event at St. Charles Bend on Oct. 8. He’ll spotlight what’s new in prevention, treatment and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The event will also feature support programs for people with neurologic conditions and their families.

Quinn’s presentation is part of a year-long education series for the public and health care professionals. The “Mystery of the Brain” program is made possible by a generous gift to the St. Charles Foundation from The Carmen Foundation, a Bend based organization that advocates neurology education.

The Mystery of the Brain program started early this year with more than 100 nurses learning about seizures and how to use the hospital’s new video brain wave monitoring equipment. Additional trainings will include topics such as epilepsy, spinal cord injuries and Parkinson’s.

Community education was a focus for the program during Stroke Awareness Month in May when six physicians presented information about stroke at events across Central Oregon. Free screenings to assess stroke risk were also offered.

Education supports leading-edge care for St. Charles patients and helps our community stay healthy. We’re grateful for contributors such as The Carmen Foundation, who help St. Charles Foundation support health education.