動作協調障礙症
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia currently affects approximately ten per cent of
the population with two per cent being seriously affected
by it. In a class of 25-30 children, it is likely that at
least one pupil will suffer from dyspraxia.
This condition results from problems in cell signalling in
the brain. Messages are not transmitted properly from one
cell to another and this affects the way the brain processes
information. The result is that someone with this brain disorder
experiences problems with one or all of the following: movement,
co-ordination and organisation. Children with dyspraxia will
often have bad handwriting, which can impede their academic
achievement.
In short, those with dyspraxia often find it very hard to
plan what to do and then how to go about doing it. Indeed
the term originates from the Greek word praxis, which means
doing or acting.
There is what experts call comorbidity between dyspraxia,
dyslexia and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Comorbidity means that there is an overlap between these conditions
and that they often coexist.
Definitions of Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia results from problems in cell signalling in the
brain - i.e. when messages are not being transmitted properly
from one cell to another. This affects the way the brain processes
information, the result being problems may occur with one
or all of the following: movement, co-ordination and organization.
The condition is also known as Clumsy Child Syndrome, Perceptuo-Motor
Dysfunction, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) or
Motor Learning Difficulties.
How Fatty Acids Help Dyspraxia
Without enough fatty acids i.e. a fatty acid deficiency, communication
between our cells ceases to operate properly and this is known
to be a root cause of dyspraxia. Fatty acids are fundamental
for our health and well-being, as they are essential constituents
of every living cell in the human body.
Dr Alex Richardson, Senior Research Fellow, Mansfield College,
University of Oxford, and University Laboratory of Physiology,
University of Oxford, is one of the world?s foremost authorities
on fatty acids and dyslexia, ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder) and autistic spectrum disorder. In a paper published
in 2003, entitled Fatty Acids in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD,
and the Autistic Spectrum, 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."
Clinical research also shows that the higher the ratio of
EPA to DHA in a supplement, the more effective the supplement
becomes. Omega product has the highest ratio possible - it contains
ultra-pure EPA and absolutely no DHA. Omega product also contains
virgin evening primrose oil, which is rich in GLA - another
important omega-6 fatty acid.
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