Executive Functions and Disorders Related to it

Executive functions (FE) dealing with higher order skills of the brain. Include a set of cognitive skills, such as attention, inhibition of irrelevant information, working memory, mental flexibility, organization, anticipation, inhibition, control of behavior, motivation, planning, decision- decisions and self-evaluation of the results.

Executive functions are mechanisms that allow us to solve new complex situations in an efficient and acceptable to the individual and society. There are two powers of the executive functions closely related, but different meta-cognitive executive functions and executive functions (FFEE) emotional.

The anatomical substrate is in the prefrontal lobe cortex and its afferent and efferent structures. The lesions in the frontal lobes are associated with impaired executive functions. The frontal syndrome is classified into three more specific syndromes: dorsolateral prefrontal syndrome, syndrome or orbit frontal and cingulated mediobasal syndrome. Executive functions (FFEE) are affected in various neurological and psychopathological disorders.

INTRODUCTION
The term executive functions (FFEE) refer to a group of capabilities that are altered by lesions in the frontal lobes, which include deficits in the initiative, motivation, formulation of goals and plans and self-control of behavior. However, had earlier proposed that the brain areas dealing with these tasks and gave them a role in the inhibition of irrelevant stimuli and the preservation of programmed behavior and goal-oriented.

It proposed the existence of three functional systems to explain the work of the brain. The first functional system would be alert and motivated and would depend on the limbic system and reticular formation, the second system would be responsible for receiving, processing and storage of information and be located in the posterior cortical areas, and the third system deal with the programming, control and monitoring of behavior and would be located in the prefrontal area. The latter produce functional unit essential mental abilities to perform a behavior effectively, creatively and socially accepted.

Concept of executive functions (FFEE)
Many authors have provided different definitions of executive functions (3-10), and although each of them focuses on one of its factors, in general, everyone agrees on a number of features:

• They are responsible for the generation of behaviors and goals, including the anticipation and the selection of the final objectives. This implies a motivational component.
• Conduct planning strategies to achieve the objective as well as anticipating possible obstacles and difficulties.
• Include the temporal and spatial organization of the task, so they are in charge of sequencing behaviors in the proper order.
• oversee the implementation of automated behaviors. To do this, are responsible for self-regulation of behavior, self-control, direction of attention to relevant stimuli, interference control and inhibition of irrelevant stimuli. For this it is necessary to monitor both implementation and the information available at all times, which requires the involvement of working memory.
• Produce adjustments and modifications necessary to achieve the goal through feedback. They are responsible for the necessary flexibility of behavior, so that response can be changed depending on the demands of context.
• Detect the achievement or otherwise of the proposed goal and the need to continue or end the activity (recognition of achievement).
• are essential to the success of novel or complex behaviors, especially those involving problem solving and the use of abstract concepts.
• include emotional and social skills, such as inhibition of impulses, morality, social adjustment or self-consciousness.

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Techniques to Improve Concentration

Distractions and inattention decrease the performance of a person and can be a cause of poor performance at home, work and academic work, recognizing this problem is good start to change harmful habits and exercise the ability to focus the thoughts in one direction.

Every human being who wishes to acquire some new knowledge, mastery of a discipline or specialized activities, will require dedication and "willpower" to achieve their goal, but this is not enough. Many times we just happen to read a chapter of a book and we realize that we have not retained any of its content, which "lose track" of a conversation or have to brake suddenly our car because we realized that the traffic lights had the red light on these and other circumstances, we say, rightly, that we were "distracted".

Indeed, only when we act with care, i.e. by unifying purposes, ideas, feelings and actions favorable outcomes in every action we perform, whether simple or complicated, also concluded in a short time and without wasting energy, so fatigue is reduced. Not always know how to do this, so that usually occur despair and frustration, but it is also true that there are some techniques to cultivate a balanced mood that will address the world and its challenges with greater advantages. Join us to learn some of them ( swamiramdevmedicines.com/herbal-remedies/divya-medha-vati.html ).

Sleeping and eating good
Food is important for all our body to function properly, but in particular the consumption of sugar (glucose) helps the brain to focus and better direct the thinking about the work they perform.

The same situation is observed in humans, so scientifically confirms the idea that to stay well concentrate is recommended a diet rich in fruits, grains, vegetables and honey, but also considered it worth eating something sweet situations in which our performance begins to fail.

On the other hand, is already known that poor sleep, either by voluntary sleeplessness, insomnia or other factors, affects low productivity, trouble thinking clearly, increased risk of accidents, irritability, increased susceptibility to disease, decreased quality of life and even premature death due to lack of sleep affects the immune system, which is responsible for combating viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

Through various studies, scientists have determined that during sleep the brain is removed so-called free radicals, which are atoms or molecules that damage cells and are responsible for premature aging of our tissues and organs. In this way, it is thought that if the concentration problems are due to constant anxiety and disturbed sleep / wake cycle, altered habits and make an effort to relax the time our body requires, which averages between 7 adult and 8 hours without interruption.

Some exercises
Also feed and rest, we can help fix the attention of the mind on a single activity through simple practices like that follows, perhaps during the first attempts were frustrated by the apparent experience dispersion with that act, but the pace decided to give constant results than imagined.

Picture. One should think of a simple geometric shape (square, triangle or circle) and mentally represent as closely as possible, the important thing is that the idea remains and is not erased by the flow of ideas about the day's events, liabilities or pending. Aim for a short time to hold the image in the mind, and when you do you can combine with others: a circle within a square or a rectangle triangle that houses, among others.

Color . Similarly, you can view a color previously established, think about it 30 seconds and gradually increase this time, until, for example, five minutes. Now with practice, can bring colors and geometric shapes: "observe" a red triangle surrounded by a white circle on a green background, for example.

Brow . Focus all your attention on one's forehead, hold it there as closely as possible and avoid stress and rambling. Persevere to unify their thinking.

Point . Draw small black circle on a card or sheet of paper, stare into it for a few minutes, then close your eyes and hold in your mind the image you just watch.

Sounds . Focus on a constant sound, like the song of a bird in a park or the ticking of a clock; show yourself attentive to sound and silences that are created.

Bodily sensation. Focus on sensory perception (smell, touch texture, aroma) and avoid putting names or describe, only experience it. This exercise is excellent and avoids digressions.

Living in peace
Although there are various techniques from various mystical traditions around the world, meditation has similar qualities that combine body positions and other practices that prevent the wandering of the mind, i.e., promote concentration. Many people have benefited from such disciplines as yoga and meditation, among others, and highly recommended because it provides sustained practice required to facilitate relaxation and enhance memory and observation skills mental organization, however, since ancient times for meditation techniques have distinguished it, gradually, provide visible results for better concentration, peace of mind and learning capacity.

Focus is fun
The game is certainly the main route through which children approach the world, but it is also valid than any other individual draw upon it to acquire new skills, abilities and knowledge, even when it refers to increase our ability to concentrate.

Virtually every board game, plus you can contribute to family or friends, you can fix the attention and help to improve memory and intelligence, that because all participants must follow a set of instructions faithfully and pursue a particular goal without distractions.

One of the most recommended to start is the "memory", which involves placing cards on a table in the far side have different pictures (people, animals, objects, fruits, artwork, etc.). All cards have an identical pair, each participant shall seek to accumulate points, only has a chance to flip two cards to locate them, and be more careful who is usually the winner.

These games are important for these purposes, chess which is necessary even cultivate silence to focus thoughts and strategize, and one more questionnaires are problems of logic and mathematics, where there are often amazing solutions, droll or very developed. Another exercise more is that they are looking for differences between two images that at first glance look identical.

Can be seen that only through practice learn to control our mind and focus your attention on a single line of thought, and this is within reach of every human being who so desires. However, when the difficulties of maintaining attention are severe and constant, so that they dramatically alter the social or work life, you need to see a specialist (psychologist or psychiatrist) to conduct an assessment on the case, issue a diagnosis and provide appropriate support.

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Stress Relief Recipes!!!

The food may be survival, enjoyment or entertainment. But can also functions as ... comforting medicine! There are certain foods that contain substances that are associated with relaxation of the nervous system and regulation of mood, Used to denote food that helps each of us to feel better after a hard day. When we are sick or tired, when everything looks black, usually looking for tranquility in simple flavors of favorite materials conceals happy memories of our childhood. Some resort to a hot chocolate drink, while others relax with a smell of chicken in the oven.

Pasta for good mood:
Brain composes easily hormone that controls the disposal of acting as an antidepressant, when the diet based on carbohydrates. Pasta as in whole grains, potatoes, etc are rich in complex carbohydrates, which have more stable blood sugar and prevent sharp swings in energy levels. In contrast, consumption of foods containing simple or refined carbohydrates sugar, glucose, fructose, etc. causes a sharp fluctuation in blood glucose, leading to faster mental and physical fatigue.

Pasta dish with your favorite sauce, sprinkled with lots of cheese and herbs, is sure to make you feel better. For a delicious snack that will raise your mood, toaster two slices whole grain bread and pour the honey. Both foods are very good sources of complex carbohydrates.

Give flavor in your life:
In periods of intense anxiety, try your favorite food with various herbs. Put basil and bay leaves for pasta, give it a distinctive flavor to your soup with rosemary and thyme, salads flavored with mint and make the most delicious meat with the addition of sage.

Dark chocolate for immediate joy:
It is no coincidence that a small chocolate morsel is enough to make us feel good immediately. It is a great treat after a day full of stress and negative emotions. The dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and tryptophan, which is metabolized into hormone associated with improved availability. It also contains significant amounts of selenium and magnesium which strengthen the goodwill.

Chocolate can increase your desire for something sweet and make you feel more stress. Start your day by having a few shavings of chocolate in your coffee or enjoying a hot chocolate drink.

Nuts for relaxation:
The nuts are rich in magnesium; metal soothes the nervous system, for blocking the introduction of stimulant stimuli to the brain so we cool off. Studies even show that age reduces the content of various organs of the body of magnesium, and stress has been shown to significantly increase the requirements in this metal, so there are often shortages. In this case, the stress hormones increased significantly, causing irritation, since virtually prevents the muscular system to relax, so feel tight.

Enjoy a handful of sunflower seeds, while watching your favorite movie. Combine also nuts with honey and feel the tensions of the day to fall.

Chicken for calm:
Poultry and turkey are particularly rich in tryptophan; amino acid contributes to the production of hormone and raising the mood.
Chicken soup that is usually associated with pleasant childhood memories-and enjoy a steamed dish. Otherwise, you can relive family stories of the past by putting chicken in the oven with potatoes. Familiar smells will flood your kitchen and will reassure you, turning your back to the years of innocence.

Banana for being:
They are rich in potassium and magnesium, substances that have the ability to relax the muscle contractions. Thus, the stress and headaches that often accompany it disappear. Simultaneously, the banana is a good source of simple and complex carbohydrates. The sugars, simple carbohydrates that offer quick sense of well being, while the complex extend, after progressively continue to fuel the body with glucose, thus preventing a sudden drop in availability.

For health and pleasure:
If you want to try a different comfort food, mix yogurt with pomegranate, honey and walnuts. The tasty snack that not only increases the libido, but also your mood. Yoghurt pleasantly fills the stomach, reducing its acidity, and the pomegranate, thanks to the antioxidants it contains, cleans the blood of the substances produced in stressful situations, thus refreshing the body. Along with honey and nuts, offers great taste and also supplies the body with more vitamins.

Cooking for stress relief:
Even the very process of cooking seems to relax people with intense and often stressful routine and to mitigate the symptoms of melancholy. The colors of the food, the smells emitting from the kitchen, the contact of hands with the materials, but the transition from a raw food dish to an integrated satisfy all the senses. Discover, therefore, separate recipes that excite your curiosity, improvise, experiment with ingredients you like and let your anxiety to "evaporate" cooking.

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Mental Health Care

Meditation is a group of mental training techniques. You can use meditation to improve mental health and capacity to improve their motivation for their goals and also to help improve physical health. Some of these techniques are very simple, so they can learn from a book or an article; others require the guidance of a qualified meditation teacher.

What is meditation...Most techniques called meditation include these components:
1. You sit or lie in a relaxed position.
2. You breathe regularly. You breathe in deep enough to get enough oxygen. When you breathe out, you relax the muscles so that your lungs are well emptied, but without effort.
3. Stop thinking about everyday problems and issues.
4. You concentrate your thoughts on some sounds, some words that you repeat, some images, some abstract concept or some feeling. All your attention should be appointed to the object you have chosen to focus on.
5. If some foreign thoughts creep in, you just stop this foreign thought, and back to the object of meditation.

The different meditation techniques differ according to the degree of concentration and thoughts are treated as foreigners. In some techniques, the goal is to concentrate so intensely that no foreign thoughts occur at all.

The Effects of Meditation….Meditation has the following effects:
1. Meditation will give you rest and recreation.
2. You learn to relax.
3. You learn to concentrate better on problem-solving.
4. Meditation often has a positive effect on blood pressure.
5. Meditation has beneficial effects on internal body processes, such as circulation, respiration and digestion.
6. Regular meditation will have an effect psychotherapeutically.
7. Regular meditation will facilitate the immune system.
8. Meditation is usually pleasant.

A simple form of meditation….Here is a simple form of meditation. Through this meditation technique, you should focus on an easy way. This will allow foreign thoughts to pop up. These are treated as one by one they appear. You do the following:

1. Sit in a good chair in a comfortable position.
2. Relax all the muscles, as well as you can.
3. Stop thinking of something, or at least try not to think about anything.
4. Breath out, relaxing the muscles in your breathing apparatus.
5. Repeat the following in 10 - 20 minutes:
- Breath in so deep that you feels you receive enough oxygen.
- Breath out, relax the chest and diaphragm completely.
- Every time you breathe out, I think the word "one" or another simple word inside yourself. You should think the word in an extended form, and so if you hear it inside you, but you should try to avoid using your mouth or voice.
6. If foreign thoughts come in, just stop these thoughts in a relaxed manner, and continue to focus from the breath and the word you repeat.

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Mental Stress Remedies

Imagine you're on your way to meet friends in a bar. You're late and stuck behind a van in slow motion, when the whole street lurches into darkness. Suddenly the man crossing the street in front of you likes a potential burglar. The cars around you seem to be hemming you in. Everyone and everything seems dangerous. You went from a little stressed completely strung us a moment.

When you finally reach the bar, his friends are deep in conversation about blackouts, crime and plan to leave the country. What should have been a carefree; full of fun has turned into a night filled with anxiety.

The suggestions below are a good start. Do not knock them sound obvious - at least not until you actually tried them.

Stress Busters….Gain Perspective -- Understand that there are certain things in your life that you have control over you and others not. If, for example, you are concerned about the political situation, I vote. If you are concerned about crime, join or start a monitoring program to the neighborhood. Be proactive about the things that you can influence and let go of who you can not.

Breathe-- At work, if you find your mind getting stressed or anxious, go somewhere quiet and concentrate on your breathing. Imagine your breath is like waves breaking on the beach. Keep a regular rhythm. Imagine you are breathing all the way from your toes when you breathe, and all the way back again as you breathe out.

Eating Well--- Do not hand your power over food and drinks. This fat burger will not release your stress of you mind. Instead ask, 'What will make this drink or food for my body in the long term? "Cut the sugar. Sugar gives you a temporary lift followed by a downer. If you're craving something sweet, try eating fruit or a handful of nuts. Drink plenty of water. The stress mind tends to dehydrate the body. Keeping your body hydrated will reduce stress symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.

Exercise More-- One of the most effective ways of dealing with stress mind is exercise. Try doing some kind of exercise at least three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes.

Develop a positive internal dialogue-- This is a powerful way to help us when we are feeling our mind stressed. We tend to feel worried about things that we have no control over (the future, other people) and more than we fear never happens. Staying at this time, if you start to stress about tomorrow, remember that you can live today - tomorrow does not exist.

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