“A Childhood Disorder” Alzheimer’s Disease “A Childhood Disorder”

Your Brain Weighs 2-4 pounds Is made of 60% fat (it’s the fattest part of you). 25% of the blood from each heartbeat goes to your brain.

Your Brain Humans have a cortex and a subcortex. The cortex (means “bark of a tree”) controls your language, personality, memory, intentional motor skills, spatial ability, and visual perception. The subcortex controls more primitive areas, like drives, emotions, fears, instincts, reflexes, subconscious processes, and automatic behaviors. Some animals, like birds, don’t have a cortex.

What is the most important part of your brain? The hippocampus

The hippocampus The most important part of your body. In the temporal lobe (sits in the middle). Gets damaged with physical, emotional, and/or environmental trauma. Very sensitive relationship with the environment. Is capable of Neurogenesis- it can regenerate new brain cells. An adaptive process that responds well to a positive environment.

Alzheimer’s Disease- a neurological disease 4 million Americans have it. Problems associated with it are the 4th leading cause of death in U.S. adults. Symptoms: Memory loss, disorientation, forgetfulness, irritability, social withdrawal. Causes: Genetics Lack of mental stimulation Life’s events (traumas)

Alzheimer’s Patient Martha Palero

What happens in the brain? Neuron connections snap: In an Alzheimer’s patient, the myelin sheaths that protect the axons dissolve, causing the axons to snap. When neurons are disconnected, memory loss and dementia occur. The hippocampus is the first to be affected by this. Vitamin B12 is known to prevent the deterioration of myelin Sheaths.

Why is Alzheimer’s a “childhood disorder”? Because it can be prevented starting in childhood, even in the womb. It is your responsibility to build “brain reserves”: make more cellular connections! 5 Factors for Brain Health: Socialization Physical Activity Mental stimulation Nutrition Spirituality

Assignment: Your Brain Health Pie In your circular chart, include things that YOU personally do (or will do) to promote your best brain health. You may write them, or use color and pictures to show instead.