Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
Your brain is a massive computer that has more storage and
more ability than any machine ever made by man. While we do
know which parts of the brain are responsible for various
functions, comparatively speaking, we actually know very
little about this important organ.
Your brain has four main parts. The frontal area is in charge
of personality. Frontal lobotomies, which removed this area,
were popular years ago, as they were successful in changing
personality. Your temporal lobe, in charge of language and
communication, is at the bottom of the brain. The back of
your brain controls sight and interprets what you see. Your
parietal lobe, the upper middle part, is in charge of your
body's motor functions.
The Amygdala is a small area under your brain that is the
cause of aggressiveness in males. Take it out, and lions and
other ferocious animals become like pussycats. Language is
processed in one side of the brain, but spatial
representations — the interpretation of symbols and
figures — are done on the opposite side. A person who
has a stroke and is unable to use one side of his body will
have trouble reading most languages, but not Chinese, since
Chinese uses characters instead of letters.
There are real differences in anatomy between male and female
brains (yes, men are better at math) and between right-handed
people and lefties.
Memory is an important part of brain function. Memory loss is
a natural function of aging, but can also be pathological. In
alcoholics, the ability to remember recent events can be
impaired. Premature memory problems are one of the first
manifestations of Alzheimer's. Some people are just
forgetful. Thyroid problems, stress, anxiety, diabetes,
multiple strokes, and medications are all other good reasons
that people start to forget things.
But one thing all experts agree on is that the mind that
stays sharp is the mind that is used. Often we look for
mindless activities to pass time. This is relaxing, but of no
benefit to the brain. Here are some good brain exercises:
Learning, of course: Torah or lehavdil taking
courses.
Reduce stress, and sleep enough.
Write things down.
Concentrate. Do not skim an article or a book; concentrate on
its meaning.
Memory games: try to recall something you knew at one
point.
Forgetting your keys, or where your car is parked, or parts
of an experience, or people's names is normal. It is abnormal
to get lost near your home, to forget how to read a clock or
use a simple instrument, or having ever met an
acquaintance.
Being in good health and exercising will also help.
Write me in care of the Yated.
