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Huberman Lab

Dr. Mark D'Esposito: How to Optimize Cognitive Function & Brain Health

Feb 19, 2024
Neurologist Dr. Mark D'Esposito discusses brain mechanisms, memory, dopamine, and acetylcholine to enhance cognitive function. Topics include concussion, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, lifestyle protocols, brain health, and neuroscience advancements.
02:28:29

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the role of dopamine in working memory and how its levels can impact cognitive performance is crucial for optimizing brain function.
  • Balancing dopamine levels is essential to prevent impairment of working memory, with both insufficient and excessive dopamine negatively affecting performance.

Deep dives

Working Memory and its Role in Cognitive Function

Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind. It plays a crucial role in cognitive function, such as reading comprehension, planning, organizing, and decision-making. The frontal cortex is a key region responsible for working memory and helps maintain relevant information while blocking out distractions. Working memory is not a passive process but involves active manipulation of information. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, modulates working memory and enhances its function. Dopamine acts on specific circuits in the frontal cortex, boosting activity and improving working memory. The level of dopamine in the brain's frontal cortex can have an inverted U-shaped effect, where too little or too much dopamine can impair working memory performance. While dopamine's role in movement is well-known, it also plays a critical role in mental processes like working memory.

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