Posted by linkadge on August 25, 2005, at 6:41:01
In reply to Re: executive functioning » iforgotmypassword, posted by Iansf on August 25, 2005, at 0:45:18
You are definately on track. The frontal cortex is highly involved in executive function. Basically the part of the brain that takes command of the rest of the brain. Planning, communicating, focused attention, etc.
When the frontal cortex function wanes, you end up with less structured and more impusive thought.
The frontal cortex is though to be improperly functoning in a whole host of mental illnesses from ADD to schitsophrenia, although specific abnormalities may vary.
Anticonvulsants can impair certain aspects of frontal cortex function. Kind of like how alcohol can make you impulsive by shutting it down.
Some are more frontal cortex friendly than others. (I know that depakote induces the activity of growth factors in the frontal cortex, and can reverse the atrophy of the subgenual prefrontal cortex.)
I would suggest a few essentials to start. Exercise first. Vitamin D increases NGF in frontal cortex, and Omega 3 plumps up frontal cortex dopaminergic/serotonergic neurons.
Beyond that, I would look for agents that enhance frontal cortex catecholamine actiivty. Acetylcholinsterase inhibitors may increase certain aspects of frontal cortex function, but just don't think any benifits have been proven conclusively.
Go for it, if you want to try, but there may be some more tried and tested executive function modulators.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:545809
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050821/msgs/546450.html