Relations between food and brain

Question

What are typical domains of cognitive functioning and which factors influence these domains?

Answer 1

LEMAPP

Language
Executive functions
Memory
Attention
Perception
Psychomotor

Factors: mood, arousal (alertness, energy), physical well-being, motivation

Answer 2

Frontal, parietal, occipital temporal lobes.

Cerebellum = controls balance, coordination and fine muscle control.

Brain stem = controls things we do without thinking: heartbeat, breathing, swallowing

Answer 3

Executive function, decisions, personality, language, planning, movement

Intelligence, reasoning, sensation, reading

Vision

Language, behaviour, hearing, vision, emotion and memory

Hippocampus: memory, spatial navigation

Answer 4

Role as cofactors in numerous catalytic reactions in the body.

Required for neurotransmitter synthesis and functioning, brain enrgy metabolism and myelination.

Although many plausible mechanisms, evidence in children is very limited: very few studies.

Answer 5

Early clinical signs: difficulty remembering names and recent events, apathy, depression

Later symptoms: impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion

Answer 6

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitiors, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockers

Answer 7

Capacity of the brain to sustain the effects of disease without manifesting clinical symptoms.
Pre-morbid IQ is a useful measure of cognitive resserve
As intellectual functioning in childhood and as a young adult influence the chances of dementia, we will need to consider dietary influences at these stages
Rather than slowing devline, should we aim to create a brain with as much surplus capacity as possible?

Answer 8

Stay socially active, keep learning by reading, cross words, taking classes, exercise.
Nerve cells have to be stimulated to prevent self-destruction. Even at older age new connections between nerve cells can be made.