Smoking interfers with central executive "control" brain networks

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Yet more research indicating the importance of brain network connectivity, this time demonstrating the detrimental effects of smoking on brain network communication, especially with the executive control and default brain networks.  Take away… smoking may impair the brain networks involved in cognitive control and make stopping smoking even more difficult.

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ADHD: And even MORE evidence suggestive of a brain network connectivity disorder

And more evidence for ADHD as being related to poor brain network connectivity. (click here for more posts) Click on images to enlarge.






And, again, this extant research is consistent with the three-level hypothesized explanation of the impact of certain brain training programs on controlled attention (click here for special white paper as well as on-line PPT modules and keynote video presentation of this model).




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The external/internal-directed cognition (EDC/IDC) framework

I just skimmed the article below. I like the way it uses the terms external/internal-directed (ECD/ICD) cognition framework to discuss the differences and relations between the activities of the default brain network and the executive control networks (click here for excellent article explaining these two networks)

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I resonate to this EDC/IDC framework as it is relevant to my white paper on improving attentional control (via IM training--although the paper, IMHO, is more about how different brain training programs may work). That hypothesized model is in the figure above, and can be found at the MindHub.



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Working memory training (n-back task) improves fluid intelligence (Gf) 3-4 IQ points

Interesting meta-analysis suggestingthat working memory training, via the n-back task, over a relatively short period of time, can improve fluid intelligence/reasoning (Gf). Conservative estimate of 3-4 Gf IQ points improvement. Click on images to enlarge.









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The brain's "stop and go" mechanisms: The basal ganglia weighs in

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"I think...therefore IM" Interactive Metronome Keynote a year ago....Slide show

I think...therefore IM from Kevin McGrew

IQs Reading: ARP review article on executive functions

An excellent new review article regarding executive functions in the latest Annual Review of Psychology. The images below will provide a sneak peak of the content of the article (click on images to enlarge). I am making an annotated copy of the article available here vis the IQs Readings feature.

 

 

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