Of Memory
and Perception: Filling the Gaps in Between
Joshua D. Hiwatig
Limitless – a Hollywood film which deeply
explored the human brain interaction by way of a tiny, pellucid pill which can
actually defy the limits of how the brain functions and for some unbelievable
reason, be a tool to be at the world’s top. It was like having the perfect
brain. However, it only works for a definite time and one must take the same
pill as long as he wants toplay the role ofMr. Know-it-all. In the movie, the
downside of such drug weighed as much consequences as what the odds provided.
We can therefore state that a person who took the magical pill must be
experiencing problems with his ability to perceive things. This is a common
problem which disturbs millions of people around the globe, and will continue
to gloom the days of the next generation if not prevented.
The constant change that we have today, be it
environmental, socio-economic, or political, is greatly affecting the way we
think alongside our mental capacity. Several factors are accounted as pursuant
of such toxins that aredeemed poisonous to the human brain. True enough, these
factors act as barriers, blocking the necessary information we need whenever we
find the need to access them. So, what are the major factors which are crucial
to human memory’s survival?
Stress Distress
College students experience stress and that is
perfectly normal, but at the same time, totally unavoidable. Loads of school
works continuously flood a student’s to-do list which eventually turns into
blocks of stress filling up every space of his brain.
Researchers were able to identify two hormones
responsible for this inevitable condition. The first hormone is commonly known
as cortisol, a stress hormone that circulates around your body whenever you
feel stressed or anxious. The other one, which is far more dangerous and
exhibits undesirable effects, is corticotopin, also a stress hormone that
disrupts how our brains collect and store memories. Both hormones, if present
on high levels, may cause forgetfulness especially if one is exposed in a
stressful environment for a long period of time.
Memory Bites
Our
eating habits act as the determinants of ourhealth today and in the years to
come. Most importantly, these habits serve as an indicator whether our brain
receives the necessary nutrition it needs or we are just eating our way to
dementia.
Fatty, cholesterol-rich foods
are themain culprits for high blood pressure which further results to clogged
arteries and blood circulation problems;alcohol isknown as a depressant agent
which predominantly slows down reaction time and thought process; zinc, iron
and B vitamins deficiency could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s
disease, concentrating and recalling difficulties are also apparent. Alarming
as it may sound, such facts are ignored or maybe, people just accidentally forget
them.
Information Overload
Information in this era takes
the world to new heights, providing a full wave of technological escalation and
gadget evolution to humanity. On a negative note, today’s blast of information
can also degrade the quality of our brain in processing information being
served by the changing times, as suggested by some researchers.
For instance, Facebook is
considered as one of the most visited site not only in the Philippines, but
across the world at large. Heaps of information is being transferred to and fro
and according to neuroscientists, this activity can lead to short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to
empathise and a shaky sense of identity.
All three factors stated
contribute to the death of neurons which are essential to human thinking.
Moreover, emotions, ageing, estrogen (for women) and medicines also aid the
slow waning of memory.They all bring nothing but harm to our temples of wisdom,
eating up those precious memories we stored for years and formidably turns
everything to black.
On a positive note, memory loss
could be prevented. Simple activities such as listening to Mozart’s music, relaxing
of one’s mind during breaks andfeasting on tuna meals and omega-rich foods
could actually boost the brain’s ability to think and focus. Through this, the
brain would be more effective when handling simultaneousinformation, further
maximizing the efficiency of the brain.
Recalling the names of our future grandchildren wouldn’t be that hard if
we take good care of this mass of intelligence contained within our heads.
“Human memory is adapting to new communications technology.
