Psychology Archives

The Norepinephrine Hormone’s Function (+How to Make More)

What is the norepinephrine hormone’s function in the brain? How do you feel if you have too much or not enough? How can you produce more norepinephrine? The norepinephrine hormone functions primarily to boost your energy and make you feel more alert, according to Steven Kotler. Kotler’s self-help book, The Art of Impossible, outlines the importance of neurochemicals, like norepinephrine, in creating an overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. Read on to learn more about the function of the norepinephrine hormone, including Kotler’s advice for producing more “happy hormones.”

How Chronic Brain Inflammation Contributes to Cognitive Decline

Can your brain get inflamed? What happens when chronic inflammation develops in the brain? Inflammation is meant to protect our bodies, but when it becomes chronic, it can be damaging. Chronic brain inflammation is one of the key factors in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Here’s how chronic inflammation in the brain contributes to cognitive decline.

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Why did social norms develop? How do they work, and what role do they play? If you make too much noise in a library, you probably won’t get escorted out by security. Instead, you’ll likely earn some dirty looks or shushing from your fellow patrons. Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson explain how norms of society, such as this example of group enforcement, regulate human behavior. Read more to learn how norms of society play a role in our lives.

What People Search on Google: Confessions

What do people typically search on Google? What do a person’s Google searches say about them? Google searches and other internet activity reveal truths that might never come out in traditional data-gathering methods like surveys. In Everybody Lies, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz claims that people research topics that they would lie about in real life, such as sexuality, prejudice, and child abuse. Keep reading to learn what people search on Google and why they won’t discuss it in real life.

The Role of Insulin Resistance in Alzheimer’s Disease

How is insulin implicated in dementia? Why are diabetes patients at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease? Insulin resistance is heavily associated with the risk for dementia. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes referred to as Type 3 diabetes. Generally, high blood sugar—even without insulin resistance—is associated with cognitive decline. Keep reading to learn about the role of insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Make Progress With Very Little Effort

Is hard work really the key to success? What if we instead found easier routes to progress and success and integrated them into our lives? In our professional and personal lives, we’re often taught that to achieve progress, we must work as hard as we possibly can. According to Greg McKeown, it doesn’t have to be that way. In his book Effortless, he debunks this belief and suggests several ways to make the most of your time with less effort. Here’s how to make progress effortlessly, according to Greg McKeown.

The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life

Do doctors actually care about you? Why do people buy Teslas? What’s the hidden purpose of education? In The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life, Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson argue that human behavior is driven by selfish motives hidden behind altruistic pretexts. They argue that, because we’re a cooperative social species, our brains evolved to hide our true motives not just from others, but from ourselves so as to balance our selfishness with our need to get along. Keep reading for an overview of the book.

Untangling Amyloid: Alzheimer’s Disease Hallmark?

How are amyloid plaques implicated in Alzheimer’s disease? How does amyloid build-up contribute to cognitive decline? An abundance of amyloid plaque in a person’s brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, but not all amyloid plagues are created equal. Recent research suggests that some types of amyloid plagues are actually benign and even protective. Here’s what we know about the role of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.

Pleasure Chemicals in the Brain: Which Ones Matter?

What are the brain’s pleasure chemicals? How do they affect your overall mood and health? Which pleasure chemicals are the most important for your happiness? Bestselling author Steven Kotler has done extensive neurobiological research to help individuals understand pathways to success, motivation, and happiness. According to Kotler, your brain’s pleasure chemicals each play a part in making you feel your best. Keep reading to learn more about your brain’s six pleasure chemicals and why you need them, according to Kotler.

The Key Causes of Age-Related Cognitive Impairment

What are the main factors implicated in age-related cognitive impairment? What are some things you can start doing today to slow down the rate of your cognitive decline? In the last few decades, medical scientists and researchers have discovered a lot about cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, and their research suggests it’s probably due to many factors that differ for every person. If we want to take care of our brains and take measures to prevent them from declining, it will be helpful to know the suspected factors that lead to cognitive decline. Keep reading to learn about the main