Here is some interesting information that can be used for the learning outcome "the interaction between physiology and cognition in terms of a cognitive process" (in this case memory), but also for the effect of the environment on one physiological process (in this case brain plasticity).
A study by Lazar has shown that the brain grows new connections in the prefrontal cortex through meditation. The study also showed that it improved attention and memory. It may be argued that because the person is improving his attention, also remembers more. How to get smarter, one breath at a time Another study by the University of Pennsylvania has shown that meditation may be a helpful technique for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It is even possible that mediation may reverse memory loss. One possible reason for the effectiveness of meditation on memory is because it reduces stress, and stress impairs our memory through stress hormones that kill brain cells. By reducing the release of stress hormones you are also improving your brain functioning. Cerebral blood flow in subjects with memory loss: a preliminary study An easy meditation practice to reverse memory loss
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This is an interesting article on new research on the teenage brain:
What's wrong with the teenage mind? In this article, the author criticizes that we keep on adding hours for education when we actually should offer more apprenticeships for teenagers to be more prepared for adulthood (which, currently, they are not) Our culture may be the reason why so many young people are very knowledgeable but at the same time directionless. Another interesting finding is that teenagers care more for social rewards than adults, and that they overestimate rewards (winning and falling in love are creating stronger sensations in teenagers compared to adults) This is a new and interesting brain scan study that suggests that bilingualism may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease:
Brain scans show bilingualism can delay Alzheimer's disease |
AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
August 2015
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