Norman Swan

4 days ago | abc.net.au | Tegan Taylor |Norman Swan |Shelby Traynor

What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream. There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound. Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander

Our cognitive ability changes throughout our lives, but what happens when we're young can determine our intelligence in adulthood — especially if we don't do anything to bolster it.  Also, NSW follows other states in allowing GPs and diagnose and treat ADHD. There are updated guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis. And when you go into remission from cancer, you usually undergo regular tests to make sure it hasn't returned.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander

GPs in NSW will soon be able to undertake further training to diagnose and treat kids and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Western Australia and Queensland have already implemented similar reforms to address the barriers to seeing a paediatrician or a psychiatrist. Also, fears the collapse of Australia's second-largest private hospital group, Healthscope, is "a canary in the mine" for the sector.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander

We’ve known for some time that the first few years of childhood are critical when it comes to development. But a new study has highlighted just how critical the early years are for cognitive ability. It found cognitive ability at age 29 can be predicted by the genetic and environmental influences on you at age two, and even more so at age seven.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander

Many people don’t find out they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture from a small fall. However of those aged 50 years and over, 66 per cent do have osteopenia or osteoporosis, where bones become less dense and more fragile. An updated guideline has been published, including new information about drugs used to treat the condition.