The Impact of Dopamine on Working Memory and Cognitive Function

This chapter examines the critical connection between dopamine levels and working memory performance. It discusses experimental findings on the effects of dopamine fluctuations on cognitive function and the challenges in measuring these levels using methods like PET scans.

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Episode notes

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Mark D'Esposito, M.D., a neurologist and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. We discuss the brain mechanisms underlying cognition and the forms of memory required for focus, productivity, planning and achieving goals, and learning. We discuss neurochemicals such as dopamine and acetylcholine and how they can be leveraged to improve cognitive functioning. We also discuss concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease, and ways to restore or slow cognitive decline by using pharmacologic, lifestyle and behavioral protocols. This episode provides a modern understanding of cognition and memory and actionable tools to optimize brain health and function.

For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.