Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Choosing Attention



Choosing Attention

Triumvirate of Attention, Memory, and Learning at the top of cognitive function.

Search for Memory
  • Tasks we do/think of create response in the synapses, eventually creating links between neurons called "Neural trace"
  • We don't know how the brain creates memories
Eric Kandel (Nobel Prize in 2000 for biological basis of memory)
  • Learning is dependent on memory
  • Science over memory spans multiple eras, which have resulted in multiple paradigm shifts regarding perception of memory science - ZEITGEIST
Short-term and Long-term memory are distinct and separate. 
  • Short-term: biochemical changes in brain
  • Long-term: Increases number of synapse connections

Kandel's work chronologically paralleled discoveries in:
  • Neurogenesis (birth of new brain cells)
  • Neuroplasticity (physiological change of brain as a result of experience, learning)
Attention exists as a process throughout the entire brain.
  • Altering network - Pay attention!
  • Orienting network - allows us to respond quickly without conscious effort 
  • Executive attention - selects where to designate brain power
Sleep processes:
  • synaptic pruning - weak synapses fade away, leaving strong ones only
  • dreaming reinforces daytime short-term memory
Exercise processes:
  • Increases size of hippocampus (memory-creating region of brain)
  • ART (Attention Restoration Theory) suggests walking in nature is best to refresh attention.

No comments:

Post a Comment