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How to Improve Cognitive Brain Function from a NeuroscientistEnhancing cognitive function -
Perception is the cognitive process that allows individuals to take in sights, sounds, smells and information via touch and to mentally process this information and respond to it. Perception is both how individuals process initial information acquired via their senses in their immediate environment, as well as how their thoughts on it change over time.
Memory is the cognitive process that relates to how well individuals recall information, both in the short term and in the long term. A good memory is critical for success both at work and in everyday life.
Cognitive skills use cognitive processes, so individuals can better acquire knowledge and make important decisions. By practising, individuals can improve their cognitive skills. Critical thinking helps individuals evaluate information and conduct logical thought processes.
Critical thinking skills enable people to analyse situations and find the best solutions, even if these solutions are not straightforward or obvious. Quantitative skills involve the use of mathematics and statistics to help individuals turn ideas into measurements and to use these measurements to make important decisions.
The use of quantitative skills helps people be more objective in their decision-making and is particularly useful in technology and science-based roles, as well as in everyday life.
Logic and reasoning are the skills required for individuals to solve difficult problems based on the information available. Logic and reasoning help individuals think through the various options available to them and help them weigh the merits of each.
Strong logic helps people understand what tasks to do and in what order. Emotional intelligence is critical to maintaining positive relationships. Focused attention helps individuals prioritise tasks, especially when several competing priorities exist. This essential cognitive skill helps people stay focused and organised.
Whenever the brain is presented with new information, new connections form between neurons. Learning takes place when new connections are formed between a network of neurons, and forgetting takes place when these connections fall away.
Connections within the brain are formed when two stimuli are paired together. For example, when children observe how adults behave, they use this behaviour as a model for their own. Memory is the process in which the brain encodes, stores and retrieves information. Memory includes both what people consciously remember and ingrained knowledge that they may be unconsciously aware of.
Understanding how people learn is an important research area for cognitive psychologists. One theory that helps them understand this is cognitive learning theory.
Cognitive learning theory uses metacognition, or the idea that individuals think about their own thinking, to explain how people learn throughout their lifetimes. Fundamentally, cognitive learning theory can be used to help people enhance their memory retention and their overall productivity by understanding their thought processes while they learn, meaning that their learning can be guided more effectively.
According to the developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children move through four stages of cognitive development as they become adults. Understanding these stages is important in understanding what individuals are capable of learning and understanding at any point in their lives.
In the sensorimotor stage, infants and toddlers acquire knowledge through their senses and by handling objects. Their development mostly takes place through basic reflexes and motor responses, including sucking, grasping, looking and listening. In the preoperational stage, language begins to develop.
Children in this stage start to use words and pictures and understand the relationship between language and objects in their everyday lives. They do, however, struggle to see things from the perspective of others and think in very concrete terms. In the concrete operational stage, children become better at using logic and at understanding the perspective of others.
They begin to understand how to have more complex conversations and can use inductive logic reasoning from specific information. In the formal operational stage, the final stage of cognitive development, children and young adults increase their use of logic and can understand abstract ideas.
Cognitive learning theory can also be applied in a workplace setting to help individuals excel and succeed in their careers via workplace learning.
Instructors can use different techniques to help individuals positively adjust their behaviour and learn more effectively, including the following:. Cognitive behavioural theory seeks to explain how thoughts and feelings can influence behaviour, and how, in turn, these thoughts and feelings can affect learning.
By using cognitive behavioural theory, instructors try to assist learners to have a positive mindset, so they can learn most effectively and retain information. Instructors endeavour to motivate and incentivise students and ensure that they can focus in the classroom.
The concepts of implicit and explicit learning help instructors structure their learning to maximise the amount of information learners can retain.
Implicit learning is learning that occurs without effort, whereas explicit learning does require effort. Boosting cognitive thinking can also have many other benefits, including that it:.
Here are seven tips to boost it. Research has shown that physical activity improves cognitive performance and memory , including the ability to learn, manage stress and make better decisions. Good quality sleep, and enough of it ideally seven to nine hours each night , helps put people in a better mood and gives them the energy they need for the day.
Sleep also helps sharpen the brain by flushing out toxins that build up during the day. The cognitive skills required to interact, including using language and memory, are critical to ensuring continued brain health.
One great way to improve cognitive thinking is to try new things. When trying something new, new connections are formed in the brain, which helps to keep the brain healthy and provides a new and exciting challenge for the individual.
Learning a new language can greatly assist cognitive thinking as it helps individuals understand how to communicate in a completely different way. It also gives insights into different cultures and perspectives. Contrary to popular belief, individuals can learn a new language at any time of their lives by practising and exercising patience.
Tips for learning a new language to enhance cognitive thinking:. Board games, card games and video games can all help activate higher-order cognitive skills , as they involve socialising, strategising, reasoning, solving problems and many other skills.
Your brain will become stronger and work better with enhanced use. Investing in increasing cognitive thinking is critical for better performance, at work and in life. It can help you make better decisions, be more productive, have a better social life and, importantly, prevent cognitive decline as you age.
Ultimately, understanding cognitive thinking can give you insight into how you think, and also why you think the way you do. Armed with this information, you can objectively assess and work towards your goals in life.
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Enquire Now. JCU Online Blog. Data Science. Study Online. DOWNLOAD COURSE GUIDE. The role of cognitive thinking To live our best lives at any stage, optimal cognitive thinking is important, as it enables us to perform better when studying and while at work. Practices such as these can help improve cognitive thinking: Staying active Getting enough sleep Engaging socially Practising mindfulness Trying new things Learning a new language Playing games.
What is cognitive thinking? Cognitive biases Another important research topic in the field of cognitive thinking is cognitive biases. Cognitive psychologists are interested in many different types of biases. Anchoring bias Anchoring bias causes people to believe or get attached to the first available piece of information, and then unconsciously use it to influence their decision-making process, even when that information is incorrect.
Confirmation bias In general, people want to believe what they already believe. Negativity bias In general, people enjoy positive events but are more impacted by negative events and outcomes. Actor-observer bias Actor-observer bias refers to how individuals see themselves in situations, as opposed to how they see others.
The halo effect The halo effect is a type of bias characterised by the first impression that individuals may have of someone or something. Cognitive processes and mental health One particularly interesting research area for cognitive psychologists is how cognitive thinking can be used to assist with mental health via cognitive behavioural therapy CBT.
Cognitive processes and skills Fundamentally, cognitive processes are what enable us to think, acquire knowledge, remember, read, pay attention and make critical decisions. Cognitive processes The six primary cognitive processes are: 1. Thought As one of the foundational cognitive processes, thought is essential in helping individuals make decisions, solve problems and access higher-order reasoning skills that help them assess the merits of the options available to them.
Attention As the name suggests, attention is how well individuals can stay focused on the task at hand, regardless of what distractions surround them. Learning Throughout life, human beings are constantly taking in new information and learning.
Perception Perception is the cognitive process that allows individuals to take in sights, sounds, smells and information via touch and to mentally process this information and respond to it. Memory Memory is the cognitive process that relates to how well individuals recall information, both in the short term and in the long term.
Cognitive skills Cognitive skills use cognitive processes, so individuals can better acquire knowledge and make important decisions. Here are five essential cognitive skills. Critical thinking Critical thinking helps individuals evaluate information and conduct logical thought processes.
Quantitative skills Quantitative skills involve the use of mathematics and statistics to help individuals turn ideas into measurements and to use these measurements to make important decisions.
Logic and reasoning Logic and reasoning are the skills required for individuals to solve difficult problems based on the information available. Focused attention Focused attention helps individuals prioritise tasks, especially when several competing priorities exist.
How the brain learns Whenever the brain is presented with new information, new connections form between neurons.
How the brain remembers Memory is the process in which the brain encodes, stores and retrieves information. Cognitive learning theory Understanding how people learn is an important research area for cognitive psychologists. Stages of cognitive development According to the developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children move through four stages of cognitive development as they become adults.
However, further research is needed. There is no safe level of drug use. Modafinil affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects include:.
Research into nootropics is still limited which means there is a lot of uncertainty about the side effects the drugs may cause if used on an ongoing basis.
It is recommended that these drugs are used only with a prescription from a medical practitioner to avoid any potential harms. Brand names: Ritalin®, Ritalin la®, Concerta®, Ritalin 10®, Dexamphetamine tablets®, Vyvanse®.
Ritalin was introduced during the s to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and psychosis associated with depression. It was used extensively in the s to treat ADHD and is now the most common psychotropic medication prescribed to children in the United States and Australia to treat restlessness, impulsive behaviour and inattentiveness.
This research showed changes in brain chemistry associated with risk-taking behaviour, sleep disruption and other undesirable effects such as weight loss.
Methylphenidate affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects may include:. Certain B vitamins, fish oil and herbal supplements such as Gingko biloba and extracts of Bacopa monnieri may offer a safer option to pharmaceutical drugs to enhance cognitive performance.
The benefits may not be as immediate but the effects are reportedly much longer lasting. However, the American Medical Association has advised that a number of products being advertised as nootropic supplements have not been examined in terms of safety and efficacy.
Modafinil and is a Schedule 4 substance that can only be prescribed by a doctor or dentist in the ordinary course of their professions. Methylphenidate is a Schedule 8 drug which means doctors must follow state and territory laws when prescribing it and must notify, or receive approval from, the appropriate health authority.
Using modafinil or methylphenidate without a prescription from a doctor, or selling or giving them to someone else, is illegal. There are also laws against forging or altering a prescription or making false representation to obtain pharmaceuticals or a prescription for them.
brain boosters , drive drugs , memory boosters , neuroenhancers , nootropics , smart drugs. Drug List Drug Wheel. Last published: November 08, What are nootropics? Other names Nootropics, smart drugs, brain boosters, memory boosters, neuroenhancers, drive drugs, study drugs.
How do they work? Types of nootropics The drugs often used to enhance cognition can generally be divided into 3 groups: Eugaroics, ADHD medications and Nootropic Supplements. Eugeroics Eugeroics are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness.
Brand names: Modavigil®, Modafin®, Nuvigil® The drug was introduced in the late s to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder.
Modafinil affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects include: increased alertness and focus reduced fatigue anxiety headache pins and needles chest pains dizziness sleeplessness nausea nervousness.
ADHD medications Types of ADHD medications used as nootropics include: Methylphenidate, Lisdexamphetamine, Dexamfetamine Brand names: Ritalin®, Ritalin la®, Concerta®, Ritalin 10®, Dexamphetamine tablets®, Vyvanse® Ritalin was introduced during the s to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and psychosis associated with depression.
Methylphenidate affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects may include: euphoria and heightened sense of well-being high body temperature cardiovascular system failure hostility or paranoia irregular or increased heartbeat and palpitations increased blood pressure and respiration increased activity, talkativeness and alertness reduced fatigue, drowsiness and appetite dry mouth, dilated pupils, nausea and headaches increased sex drive feelings of cleverness, great competence, and power.
Upfal J. The enhancement use of neuropharmaceuticals: More scepticism and caution needed Addiction 12 Botox for the brain: enhancement of cognition, mood and pro-social behavior and blunting of unwanted memories.
Urban K, Gao W. Performance enhancement at the cost of potential brain plasticity: neural ramifications of nootropic drugs in the healthy developing brain. Frontiers in systems neuroscience,.
Baker A, Lee N, Jenner L.
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