In a previous blog, I discussed executive functioning deficits with ADHD, specifically how these affect impulsivity, working memory, attention, and organization. It is also known that stress interferes with executive function and emotional regulation. It turns out that there are many exploratory studies on the benefits of meditation and relaxation. It is a common means of …Read More
Mindfulness Book Recs – East Meets West
Jan 15, 2012
Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More
THE Answers to God, the Universe, and Everything
Nov 24, 2011
Please read my story at the end of this blog that ties into Chopra and Mlodinow’s new book War of the Worldviews: Science vs. Spirituality – it’s surreal and makes you go, “Hmmmm.” Is the universe conscious? What’s the connection between mind and brain? Does the brain dictate behavior? What is the nature of time? …Read More
“The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge, M.D. (Book Recommendation)
Aug 21, 2011
A fellow professional recommended this book to me a few years ago, and I finally go around to reading it (well, listening to the audiobook). Although a few years old, the findings and implications are still very relevant today. It is similar to Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley, which I blogged …Read More
“Mindsight” by Dr. Daniel Siegel (Book Recommendation)
Feb 20, 2011
I recently completed the audiobook version of Mindsight by Dr. Dan Siegel. He provided the reading and, fortunately, possesses a wonderfully soothing and engaging speaking voice. Dr. Siegel is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, neurobiologist, researcher, lecturer, author, and professor at the UCLA School of Medicine. I’ve seen Dr. Siegel present a number of times and, along …Read More
Update on Football and Head Injuries
Feb 2, 2011
A while back, I posted a blog entitled “The Brady Bunch, Football, and Head Injuries” in which I discussed some of the risks that many very physical/contact sports, such as football, have on players. Neuroscientists and neuropsychologists are accumulating significant research indicating that these sports are causing what they term as “chronic traumatic encephalopathy” or CTE. Basically, when …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School IV: Successful Study Habits
Nov 9, 2010
What helps kids best learn information when they study for school? The answer might be different than you think. A recent article in the New York Times reviewed research literature on what kinds of study habits help our brains retain most of the information we are learning. This is the fourth installment in a series of …Read More
An Update on the Myth of Multitasking
Oct 3, 2010
A while back, I blogged about the Myth of Multitasking. Basically, I said that we can’t really do it – we mostly task switch, and this is a very inefficient strategy for working & getting things done. In fact, there is some research to show that those who multitask the most are the worst at …Read More
Pot Smoking Increases the Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Jun 24, 2010
I recently ran into this article on MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37779968/ns/health-addictions/ I know pot smoking is quite common…particularly in Austin! Now, I’m a believer that things in life are mainly in shades of grey – there are very few things in this world that are black or white. With regard to drug use, there many people out …Read More
Video Games: Do They Help Train the Brain?
May 17, 2010
A recent article was published in the April 20, 2010 online journal Nature called into question the idea the video games can enhance cognitive functioning. In the study, 11,430 volunteers between the ages of 18-60 participated in this online study. Participants were randomly divided into one of 3 groups and practiced a series of online …Read More