HOW ENVIRONMENTAL AND NEUROCHEMICAL FACTORS IMPACT BEHAVIOR AMANDA

HOW ENVIRONMENTAL AND NEUROCHEMICAL FACTORS IMPACT BEHAVIOR AMANDA DEANER EDU 417: COGNITIVE STUDIES CAPSTONE DR. MAUREEN LIENAU NOVEMBER 17, 2014

WHAT FACTORS MUST WE CONSIDER? ENVIRONMENTAL • Exercise • Sleep • Nutrition • Technology NEUROCHEMICAL • Serotonin • Dopamine • Acetylcholine

THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE • Neurogenesis • Increases oxygen flow to the bloodstream • Greater blood flow and oxygen to the brain • Increases growth and plasticity to the frontal lobes • Promotes the release of proteins that stimulate neural growth and learning

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP • Consolidation • Strengthens neural connections • Contributes to memory formation • Communication between the hippocampus and neocortex occur

THE BENEFITS OF PROPER NUTRITION • Improves attention • Improves working memory • Improves secondary memory • Healthy immune system • Increases efficiency of brain chemicals

TECHNOLOGY • Interactive games • Builds memory through repetition • Allows for the acquisition of endless amounts of research and information • Can aid in learning to read

SEROTONIN • Has a calming effect • The “feel good” neurotransmitter • Involved in sleep, appetite, and regulation of body temperature • Can help relieve symptoms caused by certain psychological disorders

DOPAMINE PLAYS A ROLE IN: • The control of movement • Cognition • Motivation • Reward-seeking behavior • Autism • ADHD

ACETYLCHOLINE • Enhances REM sleep • Involved in memory circuits • Used to operate all voluntary and some involuntary muscle movements

HOW THESE ELEMENTS CAN BE SUPPORTED IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM • Promote physical activity • A structured routine that allows for plenty of sleep/rest • Offer healthy food choices • Integrate educational games/programs through the use of technology

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