Collective Insights Brain - Mark D'Esposito - Cognitive Function
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Feb 20, 2025 
Dr. Mark D'Esposito is a distinguished professor in neuroscience and psychology, specializing in cognitive function and brain recovery. He dives into the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making and behavior management. The discussion highlights how stress, nutrition, and sleep can impact cognitive control. Dr. D'Esposito emphasizes the importance of maintaining dopamine levels for optimal cognitive functioning. He also explores brain plasticity, cognitive fitness, and the parallels between mental and physical health.
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Unpredictable Journey
- Mark D'Esposito's career path was unpredictable, starting with an interest in pre-med and unexpectedly becoming a neurologist.
- His interest in cognitive neurology grew from seeing frontal lobe damage patients at the Boston VA, leading him to research and teaching.
Cognitive Control
- Cognitive control, or executive function, guides behavior based on goals and rules rather than automatic responses.
- This high-level cognitive ability, centered in the frontal lobes, enables organization, planning, and adaptability, making us uniquely human.
Stress and Executive Function
- Stress acts as kryptonite for executive function, impairing cognitive control.
- Other factors like sleep deprivation, illness, and poor nutrition also negatively impact frontal lobe function.
