Autonomic Arousal & Memory
- Increased autonomic arousal after exposure to information improves memory, including details.
- This arousal can be measured by increases in cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), or norepinephrine.
- Studies consistently show this effect for various information types.
- Improved memory also often translates to better information processing and idea generation.
- Autonomic arousal enhances learning and memory.
Exercise Timing for Learning
- Exercise can acutely improve recall, cognitive flexibility, and performance on various brain and memory tasks.
- Studies show benefits regardless of whether exercise is done before, during, or after learning.
- The key is to position exercise and learning fairly close in time for optimal results.
Norepinephrine's Impact on Brain Activity
- Norepinephrine, released from the locus coeruleus, elevates activity in other brain areas.
- This 'sprinkling' effect increases engagement in areas like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.
- Autonomic arousal, triggered by adrenaline, leads to norepinephrine release, impacting areas crucial for attention and learning context-dependent strategies.
- This heightened baseline activity enhances the brain's ability to process important information.
Lactate's Brain-Body Connection
- Intense exercise produces lactate, a powerful appetite suppressant.
- While hunger may increase immediately after exercise, it often subsides after hydration and rest.
- Lactate affects appetite by influencing neurons in the hypothalamus, the brain region controlling appetite and satiety.
- This highlights the interconnectedness of body and brain through molecules like lactate.
Grow Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex
- To increase the size of your anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC), engage in activities you'd rather not do.
- The aMCC's growth is linked to "super aging," meaning maintaining cognitive function as you age.
- Successful dieters, those overcoming challenges, and people doing regular physical exercise show aMCC growth.
- Conversely, failing to achieve goals, like dieting, correlates with a shrinking aMCC.
- The key takeaway is to consistently push yourself beyond your comfort zone, regardless of the specific activity, to promote aMCC development and potentially enhance cognitive longevity.