FAQHow does the brain store memory? The brain contains over 100 billion neurons, each connected to thousands of others, inevitably making us unique. Our neurons constantly connect and communicate with each other when we think or do anything. Memories spark a common pathway between neurons, which when stimulated on revisiting those memories, become stronger. Some areas within the brain specialise in memory such as the hippocampus, which converts short term memory into long term memory. How does my brain think and solve problems? The brain acts like an information storage controller that can process many pieces of information at a time to come up with abstract thoughts for problem solving. The many different areas of the brain are each responsible for different tasks. When a problem is perceived, these areas communicate with each other via neuron electric signals sharing information. Ultimately, the decision area of the brain (called the anterior cingulate cortex) deciphers the information to come up with a solution. Alcohol and drugs of abuse can kill neurons. Does the brain regenerate new neurons? Abusing alcohol and other mind altering drugs causes extremely damaging effects within the brain, which should be avoided or at very least kept to a minimum. Moderate alcohol consumption may not have lasting effects in the brain. Until recently, it was thought that the brain could not produce new neurons. The brain has a very limited capacity to regenerate new neurons, but only in specific areas of the brain in particularly favourable situations. Can the brain feel pain? Unfortunately, for the sake of being aware of our own internal brain damage, there are no pain receptors within the brain to sense pain. The brain receives pain signals from other areas of the body and processes these. Headaches are often misinterpreted as being pain coming from the brain, however headaches usually refer to pain originating in the muscles of the head and neck. Why is the human brain more powerful and capable of more functions than other animals with larger brains? The brain of an elephant is much bigger than ours, however by comparison to body weight, it is very small. An elephant’s brain weighs only 0.08% of its body weight whilst the human brain weighs 2% of total body weight. Many scientists believe it is this calculation that determines intelligence however a tree shrew has the highest brain to body weight at 3% of total body mass. The human brain has evolved over thousands of years and now contains “new” areas that regulate and control unique human functions of intelligence. What is a stigma? A stigma is commonly defined as the creation of stereotypes for a particular group of people within the population. The mental illness stigma is an old concept associated with violence, distrust, embarrassment, avoidance and fear. However this interpretation is completely inaccurate of mental illness. Are people suffering mental illness dangerous? The average person with a mental illness is no more dangerous than anyone else in the community. The media has traditionally singled out the small minority of people who suffer from mental illness and who may become violent, leading the public to believe that people with a mental illness are dangerous. The possible exception are those who abuse alcohol and drugs. In the attempt to maintain their habit, they are more likely to be associated with criminal violence. How do I know if I or others around me have a mental condition? If you or someone else suffers from a form of distress for an unusual length of time, which appears to affect daily activities including work, you may require help and support. Common symptoms of brain and mental illness may include anxiety, moodiness, chronic stress, feeling sad, not being able to maintain concentration, not remembering things, and constantly feeling tired or lacking energy. If unsure, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider. Once someone has a mental condition, will they ever get better again? There are a variety of mental health conditions with differing outcomes, however there are effective treatments for some of these ailments, and many people may not experience a repeat of the same symptoms. Unfortunately, there are some people who may experience recurring symptoms. Can people with a mental illness maintain an important and responsible position of employment? Like the rest of us, people who suffer mental illness have the potential to work in many forms of employment and at all levels based on their intelligence, abilities, experience and motivation. What are the main nutrients that keep our brain healthy? As with other parts of the body, carbohydrates and oxygen are the two most critical nutrients for neuron cell survival. A lack of oxygen to the brain, will likely result in reversible or more devastating irreversible brain damage. Our brain requires a regular carbohydrate energy supply along with other important nutrients which help to either replenish the make up of the brain itself or to perform vital functions. These nutrients include essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, B-vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. How long can our brain survive without nutrients? When the heart stops beating, the brain can survive for up to six minutes. After this, irreversible brain damage rapidly occurs resulting in the brain being rendered “dead”. The brain and the heart are two organs that do not have the capacity to “store” oxygen or switch to an anaerobic (non-oxygen utilising) form of metabolism. What is the media hype around omega-3 fatty acids and brain function? The health benefits of omega-3 was discovered some years ago, however mounting supportive evidence has further conferred the positive outcomes of omega-3 on the heart, brain and immune health. Omega-3 fatty acids are not routinely in our diet in optimally high amounts, unless you eat a lot of oily fish. Therefore, it is important to actively seek omega-3 from a convenient source, such as fish oil. |
In This Section
Information Centre
|
 |
 |