Optimism and Cognition

I found your comments about emotions and memory very interesting. Does an optimistic mindset have anything to do with cognitive ability?

In the past, although anecdotal studies have linked optimism with positive health behaviors, research was not specifically geared to evaluating cognition in older adults. Scientists decided to evaluate data from the Health and Retirement Study in an attempt to determine whether optimism was associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. The researchers discovered that an optimistic mindset was prospectively linked with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment. Therefore, developing an optimistic mindset may be one way to slow down if not prevent cognitive impairment in older adults. The questions then become individually: Do you look at the glass half full or half empty? (There really is no half empty glass, only half full.) Do you look for the positive aspects in any given situation or immediately identify whatever is negative? Do you put on a happy face each morning as you begin the day? 

Interrupters and Motivators

I heard a talk show host mention emotional interrupters and motivators. I couldn’t listen to the end. Can you explain those for me?

 Shame and Guilt are often referred to as emotional interrupters. They get your attention. They may be helpful and healthy or false and unhealthy. Typically, they are learned reactions, some as far back as very early childhood. Fortunately, because they are learned, you can learn healthier reactions. Surprise and Disgust are emotional motivators that may arise with any core emotion. They can increase not only the strength of the emotion but also the resulting action or behavior you choose to exhibit. They also can be learned reactions, some carried forward from the past 3-4 generations and passed on to the next 3-4 generations. Emotional Intelligence is designed to help you build skills to manage emotions and feelings more effectively. EQ can also help you differentiate between false shame and guilt and healthy shame and guilt and choose healthier responses and behaviors. EQ can help you to define how you choose to respond to surprise and disgust and the behaviors you want to exhibit.

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Where Feelings Come From

Think of feelings as the conclusions or interpretations the brain makes about what the emotion means, what it might be trying to communicate, and its relative importance to you. A collection of brain structures work together to create a feeling: some in the brain stem and in the cerebral cortex including the insular cortex. You are not responsible for every feeling that arises. You are responsible for the feelings you choose to hang onto and act on because your brain created them. Since feelings always follow thoughts, to change the way you feel, change the way you think. There are hundreds of feeling words for a relatively small number of pure emotions. Happy, elated, delighted, and euphoric for joy; terror, panic, worry, and anxiety for fear; rage, fury, resentment, and irritation for anger; and miserable, unhappy, depressed, and sorrowful for sadness. 

What Emotions Do

Emotions are designed to:

1.     Get your attention

2.     Connect the conscious with subconscious

3.     Provide you with information

4.     Give you energy to take action

5.     Help you make moral and ethical decisions

6.     Bind your perceptions to your conscious beliefs, making

what you think about seem even more real at the time

Uterine scans of fetal facial expression registered at least joy, anger, fear, and sadness. The left  hemisphere lights up in the presence of joy; the right hemisphere is activated with the protective emotions of anger, fear, and sadness.

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Emotions & Feelings Simply Put

Can you give me a more simple explanation of the difference between emotions and feelings?

 Emotions are measurable physical responses in the brain and body that are triggered by internal or external events. Compare them with an orange highway sign alerting you that something is changing ahead that may require you to alter your lane or speed. Each cord emotion comes with differing gestures, postures, behavioral patterns, memories, facial expressions, and physiological markers. The pre-frontal areas are believed to help moderate the expression of emotions. Feelings are the subjective conclusions or explanations created by the brain to help explain what the emotion might be trying to communicate and its relative importance to you. This process likely occurs in the pre-frontal cortex located directly behind the forehead. If you want to feel a different feeling, you have the ability to change a feeling by changing your thoughts.

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Emotions as Alterations

What really is an emotion?

 Dr. Antonio Damasio, author of Self Comes to Mind: Constructing the Conscious Brain, was the winner of the 2010 Honda Prize for most important international awards for scientific achievement. A renowned neuroscientist, he heads the USC Brain and Creativity Institute. Damasio has explained the difference like this. An emotion consists of a very well-orchestrated set of physical changes that arise in the brain and body, the general purpose of which is to make life more survivable by managing a danger or an opportunity or something in between. It is a process set in one’s genome and it’s going to be similar across even other species. You may smile and a dog may wag its tail, but in essence, each represents a program in the brain and body that is represent a similar process. Emotions are designed to get your attention and give you information, which gives you an opportunity to decide what, if any, behavior you choose to exhibit in response.

PAC & Brain Emotion Signatures

Using fMRI and MVPA scanning, researchers at the University Medical Center of Geneva in Switzerland were able to identify signatures of emotion in the primary auditory cortex (PAC) of study participants. They were able to match distinct patterns of brain activity as different emotions were heard by the brain. This technique enabled them to identify which emotion was being heard and processed in the brains of the participants from other alternatives. This discovery pointed out that the PAC is not just a sensory region of the brain but also plays a specialized role in the processing of distinct emotions. Understanding the emotions of others is vital to one’s social skills. The authors hope these findings may help unravel the distorted brain pathways that may manifest as unhelpful emotional responses in some psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, autism, depression, personality disorders).

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Core Emotions & Neuropeptides

Candace B. Pert, PhD, believed that each core emotion was likely associated with a specific neuropeptide—a chemical substance that impacts mood. Soon news in the British Medical Journal, the Lancet, reported that emotions and feelings represented not only different concepts but also followed different pathways in the brain. According to Thomas Ethofer, previous research methods had analyzed increased brain activity at individual locations. Their new study looked at overall patterns of activity. He has been reported as saying, “Consider the following analogy. If you have a puzzle consisting of black and white pieces, it is hard to say whether they belong to a picture of a zebra or a checkerboard if you look at each piece in isolation. However, it becomes relatively easy if you put the pieces together.” 

Brain Emotion Signatures

What does it mean that each emotion leaves its own unique signature in the brain?

Led by Thomas Ethofer, researchers at the University Medical Center of Geneva, Switzerland have identified spatial signatures of emotion in areas of the temporal lobes at each side of the brain. Known as the primary auditory cortex or PAC, these area are responsible for decoding the sensation of sound. Scientists knew that the PAC tends to react more strongly to emotional vocalizations than to neutral speech, but because the activity increase is similar for all emotions, existing scanning equipment had not allowed them to separate one emotion from another. Ethofer scanned participant brains using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) while they listened to emotional speech. Researchers then combined fMRI with multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) used to identify patterns in brain activation. This allowed them to identify the specific emotion in the listener participant’s brain by identifying the listener’s brain activity.

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ASD & Genetics, 2

The research of CSHL Associate Professor Ivan Lossifov and Professor Michael Wigler has shown that, in many cases, it’s the father who may be playing a bigger genetic role in the ASD of offspring. Researchers are not as yet certain of exactly how the father’s contribution to ASD occurs. Professor Lossifoy, however, has a couple of ideas. Lossifoy thinks that some fathers may carry protective mutations that fail to get passed on to the biological children. Or perhaps, fathers may pass down mutations that trigger the mother’s immune system to attack the developing embryo. Both theories offer hope for parents of children with ASD and other neurological disorders like schizophrenia. It also poses a question: could other disorders follow these same genetic rules? CSHL is continuing their research.

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ASD & Genetic Contributions

In the past, there was a long-standing belief that the genetic origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was likely linked more strongly to the mother’s genome. In 2022, researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) ,Long Island NY, reported the results of a study that analyzed over 6,000 volunteer families’ genomes. In families with multiple ASD children, the siblings with ASD were found to share more of their father’s genome. These observations run contrary to earlier models in which the mother carried a greater load than the father. If only one child had ASD, the long-standing belief of sharing more of their mother’s genome may still stand. Key findings included: 1) In families with multiple ASD children, the siblings shared more of their father’s genome. 2) This finding alters a long-standing belief that ASD siblings share more of their mother’s genome. 3) These findings could potentially alter treatment strategies and provide an improve understanding of ASD. 

ASD Diagnosis Differences

Recent findings help explain why symptoms of autism spectrum disorder differ between males and females and perhaps why more males are diagnosed. Studies at Durham University reported that nearly 80% of females with autism are misdiagnosed, often with conditions such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression—all of which may be comorbid with ASD. In fact, most females are not diagnosed with either ASD or AHDH until adulthood. Scientists are suggesting that in an effort to diagnose females with autism spectrum disorder earlier in life and in a more timely manner, there may be a need for different ASD tests for females as compared with males. It will be interesting to discover if, with different ASD testing, the current 4:1 ratio of males to females may be found to be inaccurate.

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M-F ASD Symptoms

Typical male ASD symptoms may include:

1)    Very repetitive with limited areas of play

2)    More likely to behave confrontationally or intensely

3)    Less likely to appear socially competent

4)    Unable to respond to non-verbal language such as ointing / following a gaze

5)     Difficulty with social  communication issues early in life

6)    Tend to engage in disruptive behavior to gain objects

7)    Less likely to be comorbid with anxiety and depressive disorders

8)    Perseverative interests like schedules, statistics, transportation, or geeky interests

Typical female ASD symptoms may include:

1)    Less repetitive and broader areas of play

2)    More likely to respond to non-verbals, be more focused, and

less prone to  distraction

3)    Difficulty with social communication shows up in early adolescence

4)    Tend to engage in disruptive behavior to gain attention

5)    More likely to struggle with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders

6)    Perseverative interests are likely to involve more typical interests (TV stars, music, and less geeky interests)

7)    More likely to be passive or withdrawn

8)    Appear more competent socially when younger as may be mentored by peers

Autism Spectrum News

Any news about the autism spectrum?

Interesting that you should ask. A landmark study in 2022 at Stanford University School of Medicine looked at the brains of both males and females with ASD. The brains of girls with ASD showed different connectivity patterns from boys in several brain centers such as the primary motor cortex, language, and visuospatial attention systems. Differences in a group of motor areas, including the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, parietal & lateral occipital cortex, and middle and superior temporal gyri showed the largest differences between male and female ASD brains.

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ADHD & Female Exhibition of Symptoms

Females with ADHD more likely to exhibit internalized behaviors including:

·        anxiety,  negative self-talk,  depression 

·        intrusive thoughts,  overthinking,  maladaptive daydreaming

·         impatience,   perfectionism,    overachieving,  underachieving 

·        losing focus in a variety of settings,    forgetful

·        auditory processing disorder,   eating disorders,   hypersexuality

·       body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin-picking, hair pulling)

·        sleep disorders including insomnia,  fatigue

·        intense emotional reactions,   crying with anger, guilt, or shame

·        feeling overwhelmed,   low levels of self-worth

·        shyness due to social anxiety and sensory sensitivities

·        people-pleasing,   codependency

·        body dysmorphia or negative body image     

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ADHD & Male Exhibition of Symptoms

Males are more likely to exhibit externalized symptoms such as

·      hyperactivity,   fidgeting,   distractibility

·       high risk behaviors (e.g., substance misuse, speeding,        excessive spending)

·       frequently losing items,   interrupting others 

·       aggressive behaviors,   disruptive behaviors  

·       apathy,  dismissive..

·       self-centeredness,   unhealthy sexual behaviors,

·       seeming insensitive to other people’s emotions

·       teasing others or being sarcastic

·       needing to be right or proving others wrong,  d efensiveness

·       hightened emotional dysregulation like temper tantrums and anger outbursts

ADHD Brain Differences, 2

The reports I’ve read say that twice as many males are diagnosed with ADHD as are females. Do you believe this is really accurate?

I believe that is what studies in the past have shown. More recent research seem to offer a different picture, although it may be several years before the DSM-5 (published in 2013) will reflect that. Currently, more males are referred for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD by school systems. There actually may be more females with ADHD. Studies at Durham University reported that an estimated 80% of females tend to be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Depression, and Anxiety—and not with ADHD, although it may be comorbid. An ADHD diagnosis may not be made until females are in adulthood, if then. In part that may reflect the fact that the behavioral expression of typical ADHD symptoms differ in males and females. 

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ADHD Brain Differences

Are there known differences between ADHD & non-ADHD brains?

 Using resting-state fMRI researchers observed brain circuity in adults with ADHD. Researchers linked increases in functional connectivity in specific brain regions to clinical symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness, suggesting that inefficiencies in brain network processing could explain some symptoms of ADHD. Both male and female ADHD brains exhibit several brain differences when compared with non-ADHD brains. The overall brain size in children with ADHD tends to be smaller than the non-ADHD brains. The ADHD brain appears to mature more slowly than non-ADHD brains. Areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and hippocampus may have a smaller volume, as well, impacting how the individual brain processes and regulates emotions. Other brain regions, including the frontal lobes (especially the right frontal lobe), may also be smaller in volume, leading to inattention, impulsivity, and problems with social interactions. 

ADHD

Is it possible for an individual to be misdiagnosed as NOT having ADHD when that is really the likely diagnosis?

My brain’s opinion is a definite yes. There is no one test for ADHD—Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Physicians must do the best they can with what the parents, teachers, coaches, individuals or their partners presents to them. During puberty, male and female brains are rewired—differently. The male brain has more lateralization of the two cerebral hemispheres, meaning one can be active while the other idles. The female brain has a more globalized functional style, meaning if any part is on, it is all on. It takes more energy to run second for second. Add socialization to this, personal perceptions of what ADHD symptoms and behaviors are supposed to look like, and the easy availability to the latest research, and it would not be a surprise to have some ADHD cases missed or diagnosed as something else.

 
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Journal for Success

Studies have shown that keeping a journal periodically is a bonafide strategy for getting a handle on what you are actually swallowing. If you’re a ‘grazer’ or have learned to wolf down food quickly or in a distracted manner, you can ingest hundreds of extra calories well before the 15 minutes it takes before the satiation hormone, leptin, kicks in. Record everything you put into your mouth for 3-7 days in a row and then analyze the pattern. Alcohol contributes 7 calories per gram so guzzling beer while watching a game on TV can be unhelpful. Popping high-fat mini-quiches is also unhelpful, as fat contributes 9 calories per gram. An apple, air-popped popcorn, and lemon water or herb tea would provide a tenth of the calories. Your taste buds replace themselves every 10-14 days so you can train the new ones enjoy healthier food and snacks quite quickly—if you want to catch weight gain early.

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My Answer Would have Been

Had I been asked the question, I would have answered, “Not a thing, if you’re designed to be ‘big.’” However, if you are not designed to be big, and want to live a long time with high levels of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health; want to delay the onset of some symptoms of aging; want to avoid the likelihood of a chronic disease;  want to hang onto your mental marbles as long as possible; then big may not be so beautiful. If you want to get your weight into an optimum range and desire to live a long time—I’m aiming for 120 years—my best recommendation is to avoid all dieting, period. Instead, get on board with creating a longevity Lifestyle (LLM) that you will maintain for the rest of your life. (The LLM Program Online is available FREE from the main menu at  www.arlenetaylor.org) 

“Big Is Beautiful”

What other individuals people weigh is none of my business, and I refrain from making comments unless I am asked a direct question. Recently I overheard: “Big is beautiful!” and “What’s so bad about being big, anyway?” Not a thing if you are a giraffe, for example. I loved feeding a couple of 18-feet-tall specimens weighing almost a ton (each) and their purple tongue nearly 2 feet long. And elephants. I loved getting up close and personal with some of them in Africa. African bush Elephants are the largest mammals on land, weighing up to nearly 7 tons, eating 80,000 plus calories each day, and drinking between 20 and 50 gallons of water depending on the temperature of the air. I think the wandering Albatross is a beauty, too, with a wingspan that can reach 12 feet. If you are talking about obesity, it is inked with more than 50 chronic diseases. More tomorrow. 

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Slow & Steady

Weight creeps along slowly—up as well as down. Living a Longevity Lifestyle is not about obsessively counting calories or deprivation. It requires a mindful awareness of how what you do today impacts you in the future. You think you’re hungry? First ask yourself, ‘How long is it since I ate?’ If it was 4-5 hours ago, your body may need food physiologically. If it was 2 hours ago you may be in the habit of ‘grazing,’ or you may be ‘thirsty’ (or bored or upset or distracted). Drink a big glass of water and pay attention to the way you feel in 30 minutes. Many children were fed when they were thirsty and so never really learned to tell the difference between being hungry and thirsty. The good news about pure water is that it is calorie-free and does not trigger your digestive system. Put a little lemon in your glass of water if you’re training yourself to like the taste. (Of water!)