Tuesday 31 January 2012

#30 Neuroscience - part 2 of 3


     “Mind-wandering is not only a common activity present in roughly 50% of our awake life, but is also associated with lower levels of happiness. Moreover, mind-wandering is known to correlate with neural activity in a network of brain areas that support self-referential processing, known as the default-mode network (DMN). This network has been associated with process ranging from attention lapses to anxiety to clinical disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer’s disease. Given the interrelationship between DMN, mind-wandering, and unhappiness, a question arises: Is it possible to change this default mode into one that is more present-centered, and possibly happier?
      One potential way to reduce DMN activity is through the practice of mindfulness meditation.”
     Brewer JA et al. Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2011; 108(50): 20254-9. 

     CBC Radio "Quirks & Quarks" Jan 28, 2012 podcast with Dr. Brewer "Your Brain on Meditation": http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/episode/2012/01/28/january-28-2012/

Photo: izanoza   www.dpreview.com

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