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Chapter 14 – Cognition and the body

We all know that the body and mind are closely connected. This chapter explores some of the ways in which the body and mental processes interact. The first, and by far the most controversial, area is the extent to which our bodies can do aspects of our thinking for us. As we will see, some versions of embodied cognition argue that our bodies and the environment can effectively replace the need for complex internal mental representations. The extent to which behaviour is governed by internal mental representations versus external environmental influences lies at the heart of this topic. In the second part of the chapter, we explore the extent to which our diet (i.e., the foods that we eat) can influence cognition. That diet and cognition are linked is clear, but establishing what aspects of diet (e.g., eating enough fish or sufficient portions of fruit and vegetables) is less well-established. Finally, the chapter finishes by looking at the interaction between illnesses such as stroke and depression and cognitive function.

  • Chapter 14 – Flashcards

    Cognitive decline

    This is a normal process of aging where some mental abilities are preserved but others gradually decline (eg reasoning and memory).

    Cognitive workload

    The level of mental resources required of a person at any given time.

    Replacement position

    A radical version of embodied cognition where cognition is distributed across the brain, body and environment with minimal need for internal mental representations.

    Motor evoked potentials

    Electrical signals that are recorded from motor pathways or muscles following stimulation of motor pathways in the brain.

    DHA

    An omega-3 fatty acid that is a key component of all cell membranes and is found in the brain and retina in large quantities.

    Neuronal plasticity

    The ability of the brain to change structure or function in response to experience or injury

    Systematic review

    An approach that identifies, appraises and synthesises all empirical evidence in an area, using methods to minimise bias and produce reliable findings to inform decision making.

    Observational studies

    Studies where researchers observe the effects of a variable without trying to influence who is and isn’t exposed to it.

    Global cognitive function

    An overall measure of cognition often reflecting the average of performance across individual cognitive tests.

    White matter lesions

    Degeneration of myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibres in the brain that may be a predictor of risk of stroke, cognitive decline and related illnesses.

    Randomised controlled trial

    Where eligible participants are randomly assigned to groups either receiving an intervention or a control.

    Limbic system

    A collection of structures involved in emotion and memory which includes the amygdala and hippocampus.

    Dehydration

    A state where you use or lose more fluid that you take in, such that you body doesn’t have enough water and related fluids to carry out normal functions.

    Comorbidity

    The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.

    BDNF

    Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a protein that is important for neuronal survival and growth.

    BMI

    Body mass index is a measure of your weight compared to your height used to determine if a person is overweight.

Chapter 14 – Quiz