Did you know the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that after we turn 60 years old, 5 to 8 % of us will live with Dementia at some point? So what exactly went wrong in our brain, which has an average of 86 billion neurons? First, let us explore what’s inside our skull.
Hi, I am Dr Dennis. Welcome to my weekly blog on all things Dementia. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by our brain, which I was taught is like a central computer controlling and coordinating mood, thinking and movements. It is also responsible for compartmentalising information into “chunks” and “stored” in different brain parts. I was so excited when I finally got to study our brain at medical school but only to find out that I was none the wiser, proven by my “disappointing final exam mark”! With this disclaimer, I will not pretend it is the most exhilarating and easily understood subject, and I will try my very best to explain and dissect the cerebral (brain) function to you.
For more, please click the following National Geographic YouTube link. Client Here
There we have it. Each lobe has its unique functionality but does overlap, and all 86 billion neurons work in concert to bring about the intended (voluntary) actions, e.g., standing up and heading to the kitchen, and the spontaneous (involuntary) actions, such as driving a car without even thinking. Friends, stay tuned. I will continue to explore this majestic organ with you all very soon….
The two small orange colour structures deep inside the brain, called the Hippocampus, are the most essential. This is where memory is formed.
Many parts of your brain work together to collect and store information so you can find and access it when needed.
Types of memory
Sensory memory—the five senses—is “fleeting.” You don’t consciously control this type of memory, but it’s highly detailed.
Short-term memory is a temporary storage space that holds information for a few seconds to minutes. It’s easily accessible and can be manipulated to make sense in a particular context.
Long-term memory is where you store all the learned skills, relationships and habits. Facts, locations and events are examples.
So, what do I do with this information?
Congratulations! You have taken the first step in understanding and hopefully appreciating the complexity of your brain’s functionalities. Today, I am going to set your homework for a change. I would like you to describe the layout of your house from the front door in detail, then describe how you would get to your kitchen, open the drawer where you store your teaspoon and tell me how you make a cuppa. Don’t worry, you don’t need to give me your home address😊! Feel free to send your answer to info@primegardensrs.com.au. Who knows, you may win a little prize! If you want to speak to a human, please call (03) 98904488.
