Brain & Nervous System Disorders
Useful Sites
Dana BrainWeb
About this site: The Dana BrainWeb is a list of recommended Web sites on more than 20 common brain conditions. Sites are chosen by neuroscientists belonging to the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable information on brain disorders. Their suggestions are helpful resources for researching topics from addiction to Alzheimer's disease, learning about treatment options, or locating support for caregivers. (http://www.dana.org/brainweb/)  Pluses: There are also reviews of general neuroscience Web sites.  Minuses: Site has no graphics or diagrams.  Best feature: Recommendations list a site's unique features and briefly describe the organization that produces the site. |
HHMI: Seeing, Hearing, and Smelling the World
About this site: Our senses are our windows on the world, but how do they work? This site by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute explores the latest research on how we see, hear, smell, and taste. Sprinkled among the articles are some insightful gems, like why you can't see colors by moonlight and why women who live together "cycle" in sync. (http://www.hhmi.org/senses/) Pluses: The scientific words in the stories link to clear, short glossary explanations. Minuses: No interactive tools, though you can e-mail your feedback. Best feature: Animated images help explain optical illusions and add some fun to the site. |
Alzheimer's Association
About this site: In addition to the basic facts and figures on this devastating disease, the Alzheimer's Association Web site has resources for people living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and professionals who want to keep up with the latest medical advances. You can also find out how to ensure a proper diagnosis and learn more about current and future treatment options. (http://www.alz.org/) Pluses: The section on treatment options includes information on drugs under development and in clinical trials. There's also a helpful list of things to consider before enrolling in a drug trial. Minuses: News is confusingly organized on three separate archive pages, and some information is extremely old. Best feature: Locate your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, which can be an additional source of information and assistance. |
Awakenings: Parkinson's Disease
About this site: The European Parkinson's Disease Association strives to build a forum for everyone in which patients, relatives, caregivers, and physicians can find and offer both information and emotional support. (http://www.parkinsonsdisease.com/) Pluses: The frequently asked questions section covers causes, treatments, and implications in terms everyone can understand. Minuses: Several months often pass before news articles are updated. Best feature: The "giving care" section of Living With Parkinson's offers great tips on caring for someone who has Parkinson's disease. |
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