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Cognitive development, defined as the development of intelligence, conscious thought and the ability to solve problems, begins in infancy and continues throughout adult life. Genetically we are born with a defined cognitive framework, but it is the sights and sounds of experience that help us reach our particular genetic potential. Brain growth is ignited and occurs when the senses are stimulated. When any of the five senses -- touch, sight, sound, taste or smell -- are activated, electrical activity occurs in the brain. Each sensory experience excites neural circuits, thereby creating a stronger connection. Learning occurs when neural circuits are strengthened through repetition. Over time, other neural circuits become inactive through lack of use. These inactive circuits often drop away in a process called "pruning." A lifestyle without the necessary stimulation to prompt neuronal growth inhibits cognitive and developmental growth. Thinking is the best way to train o

As with all body organs, the brain also requires a sufficient supply of nutrients from all food groups. Sugar is the only energy source that can be utilised by the brain. Despite its great importance, excess sugar consumption can lead to detrimental effects in almost all body systems, more so for the brain. Sugar is a general term used to describe a large number of organic compounds. It is used here to refer to a diet high in refined carbohydrates, glucose, sucrose (common table sugar) and other sweeteners found as additives in processed foods and drinks. In a diet high in sugar content, the excess sugar interrupts with the absorption of proteins and other nutrients which interferes with brain development (especially in children) and function (especially in adults). A diet high in added sugar reduces the production of a brain chemical known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Without BDNF, our brains can’t form new memories and we can’t learn (or remember) much of anything

Despite being ill, we are still required to carry on with the pressures of life. This however may not be too good for our brains. The body being one complex system is interconnected. Disease in one part of the body affects all other systems. Fluid intelligence is composed of short-term memory, abstract thinking, creativity, and problem solving. Crystallized intelligence on the other hand is composed of all learning accumulated over the life span in education, work, and cultural experiences. Fluid intelligence is often affected by aging, disease, or injury, while crystallized intelligence tends to increase through the 60s and 70s, and may not begin to decline until the 80s. Working the brain whilst sick hastens the aging-related decline in memory and thinking skills associated with fluid intelligence. Give your brain a break when you’re sick. Overworking it during an illness will only decrease its effectiveness sooner than it should happen.

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Brain cells are very sensitive to decreases in oxygen levels and don't survive or function well very long without it. Without oxygen, irreversible brain damage starts to occur after around 5 minutes. Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decreases the concentration of oxygen in blood. This is because when you sleep under the covers you continue to breathe in air that you just breathed out which has more carbon dioxide than oxygen. This leads to low oxygen supply to brain cells. Alzheimer’s and dementia are often seen as the result of hypoxia (diminished oxygen supply) to the brain. Repeatedly sleeping with your head under the covers is associated with early onset dementia by age 50, 20 years earlier than should be. If you already have this habit, try tucking in your blankets from the foot end of your bed to avoid pulling them over your head. Think twice before pulling the blankets

Eating too many calories does more than just expand your midsection. A habitual high caloric intake over time raises your odds of developing memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), later in life (more pronounced after 60 years of age). Inspiration further adds that…”A clogged stomach means a clogged brain”...”The affliction of the stomach affects the brain”…”The power of the brain is lessened by drawing so heavily upon it to help the stomach get along with its heavy burden.” Regardless of the quality of the food, the resultant high blood sugar causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power. Like many pleasurable behaviours—including sex and illicit drug use— overeating triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain. This internal chemical reward, in turn, increases the likelihood that the associated action will eventually become a habit that will be difficult to stop i.e overeating can become a semi-addiction

We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, but sleep is a remarkably productive time for our brain. Sleep allows the brain to rest from the day’s activity, repair itself and prepare for the next day’s activity. Inside the skull, the brain sits in a clear fluid that acts as a buffer or cushion called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). During sleep, the space between brain cells expands significantly and more efficiently allows CSF flow between them. The CSF acts as a waste removal system for the brain as it facilitates the clearing of toxins generated throughout the day’s activity. The brain clears out toxins much more rapidly while we’re asleep than when we’re awake. These toxins include β-amyloid protein, a precursor for the plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease, and the very destructive free radicals (by-products of oxygen metabolism). A habit of not getting enough sleep each night will therefore accelerate the death of brain cells. Plan on getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each n

The brain daily requires a supply of up to 120 grams of glucose (sugar) for optimal function. The sugar requirements during the night may be less, however most of us we are most active in the morning way before we eat lunch. As such, we need to take breakfast to supply the brain with the needed sugar for the morning. Not having breakfast results in less sugar being available for use by the brain. A chronic habit (takes many years to develop) of insufficient supply of sugar leads to brain degeneration which increases the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Develop/ maintain the good habit of having breakfast every morning. In fact, it should be the largest meal of your day, composed of one-third to one-half of your daily energy requirements.

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. In as much as the human body needs every other part for complete function, the brain is one of the important parts. It allows a person to think, feel and store memories, and also controls and coordinates the body's actions and reactions. In a car, it is the equivalent of the engine, or the processor and hard drive of a computer. Certain habits can however damage the brain so much as to produce significant health effects. A habit by definition is a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. These are therefore not a onetime acts but activities/actions/practices that we do almost all the time. I will for the next 10 days post one brain damaging habit for your consideration.