brain (3)
The way the brain codes and stores information remains a mystery. Current and often conflicting theories include:
• Widespread distribution of memories across the outermost layer of the brain (cortex)
• Widespread distribution of memories, with certain structures (such as the hippocampus) playing important roles
• Localised memory areas in certain structures of the brain only
• Memory storage in brain molecules
• Memory storage in clusters of nerve cells (neurones).
Different types of memory
It seems that the brain has a number of different memory forms, including:
• Short term - new information is stored for a brief time. If the information isn't further processed, it will soon be forgotten.
• Long term - information from the short term memory is shifted to the long term memory.
• Declarative - conscious memories of information and events.
• Non-declarative - once learned, habits such as driving a car are ingrained and automatic.
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Brainstorming is a process that induces creative and useful ideas and is one of the most divergent thinking tools available.
It was developed by Alex Osborn, who realised the power of ideas and the inherent creative abilities of all people, as a method of focussing a group of people on a specific problem in such a way as to generate a variety and large quantity of ideas without regard to the quality of the ideas.
The primary desired outcome of the process is to have as big a choice as possible from which to choose the best solution or creative product. The second objective is to produce truly original, unusual, interesting and provocative ideas. Originality is a precondition for creativity.
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The most important rule of brainstorming is to defer judgment. Both negative and positive feedback is postponed till a later stage in the idea developing process. After all the ideas have been suggested and recorded, time is then spent on the clarification and precise meanings of each idea. This is not a defence or critique of the ideas. The process of brainstorming stops when everyone understands all the ideas.
A stroke can be described as a brain attack. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain gets blocked or bursts. The part of the brain that is starved of oxygen is then damaged.
Strokes are not always fatal. Some strokes are very slight. Others can cause serious disability. Once you have had one stroke, either a light or a severe one, you have a very good chance of suffering another stroke.
The risk of having a stroke is higher as you get older or if one or more of your family members are suffering from disease of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes or high blood pressure. There are also high risk factors such as smoking tobacco products, being overweight, drinking excessive alcohol and not taking steps to correct blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
The most common cause of a stroke is a blood clot (thrombosis). This is related to hardening of the arteries as a result of old age, smoking, excessive alcohol intake or various infections. Another cause is a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries. This may block the arteries. A third cause is the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain. This normally results in a severe stroke.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke are weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on one or both sides of the body, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes or suddenly experiencing double vision, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, dizziness, loss of balance or any unexplained fall or unsteadiness while walking, headaches (usually severe and sudden) or unexplained changes in the pattern of headaches.
Other signs include: Disorientation - you are not aware of where you are, restlessness, decreased ability to pay attention, difficulty in understanding what people say, forgetfulness, emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or mood swings.
How can a stroke be prevented?
Prevention involves targeting those risks that can be changed:
* Get treatment for hypertension, diabetes and other diseases.
* Stop smoking and alcohol misuse.
* Seek treatment for severe infections, like tuberculosis.
* Loose weight (if you are overweight) and increase exercise levels.
* Adopt a healthy diet.
A stroke must always be treated as an emergency - even a minor stroke. Take the person to a doctor or hospital immediately.
