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| November 07 1. What's "weighing" on your mind When you are born, your brain weighs about a pound. But by age 6, it weighs three pounds. What happens? Learning to stand, talk, and walk creates a web of connections in your head—two pounds worth! 2. Drug Effects on the Brain Dr. Kathie F. Nunley There has been an abundance of research released over the past 18 months shedding new light on an old problem --the effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on the central nervous system. Perhaps fueled by funds available through tobacco settlement monies, we see a particular increase in the amount of nicotine research published. Three main themes arise. First, all drugs effect the brain - some very substantially, particularly in adolescents. Second, the plasticity of the brain and its amazing ability to compensate for change, can lead to drug-crippled brains. Thirdly, certain neurons appear to be more resilient than others to drug effects. Most drugs (cocaine, alcohol, etc.) tend to work by increasing dopamine levels in the amygdala and other pleasure regions of the brain. Any time a substance significantly changes a neurotransmitter (nerve cell communication chemicals), it will cause damage with chronic use. The reason for this is the brain's inherent need and ability to repair its own systems. Drug Effects on the Brain Dr. Kathie F. Nunley Continue to... Oct 07 Sept 07 |