Transcript File - Chandra Tracey

Effects of Environment and
Neurochemicals on Behavior
Chandra Tracey
EDU417: Cognitive Studies Capstone
Instructor: Colleen Lindecker
June 16, 2014
What are neurotransmitters?
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Neurotransmitters are
chemicals that the brain
uses to communicate
with the rest of the
body. It is how our body
temp stays regulated,
how our hearts know to
keep beating and how
we remember things.
(What are
neurotransmitters, 2014)
A Few Kinds of Neurotransmitters:
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Acetylcholine: plays an important role in memory,
increases REM sleep, and can slow heart rate.
Assists in operating muscles, both voluntary and
involuntary.
Dopamine: plays a part in controlling motor
activity, assists in focus and motivation, and also
helps us to feel good as part of the brain's reward
system (Spuhler & Hauri, 2014).
Serotonin: helps to create a calming effect in the
brain, as well as playing vital roles in memory,
sleep, appetite control, and body temp regulation.

(Wolfe, 2010)
Neurotransmitter Relationships:
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These neurotransmitters all play a great part in
memory and behavior:

ADD/ADHD and the lack of focus are caused by a
lack of dopamine making it to the synapse (What
are neurotransmitters, 2014)

Memory loss in Alzheimer's is caused by the
degeneration of acetylcholine (Wolfe, 2010).

High amounts of serotonin are found in people
suffering from depression.
Environmental Factors
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The environment plays a large role in how our
neurotransmitters function. Anything from stress to
abuse (physical or drug) can cause neurotransmitters
to become limited or to over-produce.
“Research...shows that brains continue to develop
after birth and are shaped by relationships and
experiences. It is therefore likely that very young
children will be particularly susceptible to the effects
of their environment” (Napier, 2013).
Picture retrieved from www.allergykids.com
Learning and Neuroplasticity:
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Movement: consistent
exercise increases oxygen to
the brain, which in turn
“increases capillary health
and plasticity of the frontal
lobes” (Wolfe, 2010).
Exercise improves learning,
math and reading
achievements and can
possibly increase cell
development (Wolfe 2010).
Picture retrieved from www.manhattangmat.com
Learning and Neuroplasticity:
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Sleep: this is when
neural connections
become stronger.
During this time, the
brain gets a break from
receiving information
and uses this time to
consolidate, or to
transfer information
from short-term
memory to long term
(Wolfe, 2010)
Picture retrieved from
Learning and Neuroplasticity:
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
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Picture retrieved from
www.choosemyplate.gov
Nutrition: Healthy eating
is vital for brain
development and function
proven by academic
performance.
Overeating reduces brain
tissue and development.
Omega-3 fatty acids are
proven to increase
hormone balance and
improve the immune
system (Wolfe, 2010)
Learning and Neuroplasticity:
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Technology: The research does
not steer one way or the other on
the effects of technology on the
brain. Positive result have
occurred as well as negative.
Small doses of developmentally
appropriate technology can
improve learning (Wolfe, 2010)
Some negative effects are overstimulation, lack of attention and
focus, loss of parental
interaction (Napier, 2013)
Picture retrieved from
stevewheeler.blogspot.com
References:
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Napier, C. (2014). How Use Of Screen Media Affects The
Emotional Development Of Infants.. Primary Health Care, 24,
18-25. Retrieved June, 2014, from the ebscohost database.
Spuhler, I., & Hauri, A. (2013). How Use Of Screen Media
Affects The Emotional Development Of Infants . PLoS One, 8,
1-10. Retrieved June, 2014, from the ebscohost database.
What are Neurotransmitters?. (2014). What are
Neurotransmitters?. Retrieved June, 2014, from
https://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi
09CE.asp
Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain Matters Translating Research Into
Classroom Practice (2nd ed., ). Alexandria, Va.: ASCD,
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.