讀寫困難/學習障礙
Dyslexia
The word "dyslexia" comes from the Greek, meaning
"difficulty with words". Dyslexia is a language
difficulty in which tiny differences in brain organisation
lead to problems in processing certain types of information,
such as handling verbal codes or symbols.
It is a complex learning difficulty because of the number
of characteristics associated with it, such as lack of phonological
awareness, poor short-term memory or confusion about left
and right, which vary from individual to individual. It is
a specific type of learning difficulty, with sufferers experiencing
persistent and sometimes significant problems with reading,
writing, spelling and even mathematics and musical notation,
despite normal intelligence. However, the person may not have
difficulties in other areas - many people with dyslexia are
extremely creative, think laterally and have excellent problem-solving
skills.
Dyslexia affects all types of people, of differing intellect,
ethnicity and social class. About 10% of the population are
affected by some form of dyslexia, with 4% being severely
dyslexic. Whilst the effects of dyslexia can be overcome by
specialist teaching, resources to cater adequately for these
children are lacking.
Dyslexia is biological in origin and on this basis scientific
studies have been conducted on the effects of treating individuals
with a combination of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and evening
primrose oil, with remarkable results. Fatty acids have been
shown to improve memory, concentration and general brain function,
thus providing further support for the use of omega product to help
with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia.
Definitions of Dyslexia
Dyslexia manifests itself in many forms. The dyslexic person
may experience the following:
-problems reading, spelling and writing, as well as with
written number skills
-lack of motivation
-emotional disturbance
-sensory impairment
-difficulty concentrating
-problems with short-term memory
-poor personal organization
-problems following sequences, such as the months of the year
and the alphabet.
Given all these obstacles a dyslexic child has to overcome,
progress at school can be hindered. One answer to these problems
lies in the biological origins of this condition. Scientific
theory points towards problems with fatty acid metabolism
and resulting deficiencies of fatty acids as a contributory
factor in the cause of Dyslexia. This could help explain why
Dyslexia runs in families. Genetic studies suggest a heritability
rate of around 50%.
How Fatty Acids Help Dyslexia
Several scientific studies have revealed a correlation between
fatty acid deficiency and Dyslexia. In a study by Dr Richardson
and colleagues, high-tech MRI brain scanning (3IP spectroscopy)
revealed abnormal brain lipid metabolism in dyslexia. The
significance of this lies in the problems thereby associated
with fatty acid conversion in the brain, from simple fatty
acids into their long-chain derivatives, crucial for feeding
the brain.
Dr Richardson explains: "Scientific evidence suggests
that imbalances or deficiencies of certain highly unsaturated
fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to a range of behavioural
and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia,
and autistic spectrum disorders. This could help to explain
the strong familial associations between these conditions
and their common overlap within the same individuals.
"Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are more
likely to help than omega-6 (although both are important for
optimal brain function). Of the omega-3 fatty acids, the latest
evidence indicates that it is EPA - not DHA - that is likely
to be most beneficial for these purposes."
The essential function of fatty acids in the structure of
the brain accounts for the role of EPA in treating conditions
like Dyslexia. Research into brain structure in Dyslexic patients
has revealed unusual symmetry in areas associated with language,
and differences in neuron connections.
The link between fatty acid supplementation, in the form
of EPA with evening primrose oil (as contained in omega product),
and the treatment of Dyslexia is evidenced by the prevalence
of Dyslexic individuals with a fatty acid deficiency compared
with normal individuals. Studies into the supplementation
of fatty acids in Dyslexic individuals have led to revelations
that EPA helps visual function, a factor behind several problems
associated with Dyslexia.
A good sign that fatty acid supplementation will help the
dyslexic individual are physical indications of fatty acid
deficiency.
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