What Are the Various Cognitive Functions?

You often hear about cognitive function, but many people are not completely sure what it entails. Since your cognitive abilities are so important, you want to have a thorough understanding of what they are and what their effects are. This is going to help you to better strengthen them so that you can improve your chances of success with everything from work to personal relationships. While the overall functions may be worded differently, there are five main ones that you want to know about so you can start improving them today.

Learning About Attention

To learn new things, you have to be able to pay attention to what is happening around you. Think back to a time when you were sitting in class and you could just not concentrate on what your teacher was saying. You surely did not really retain any of the information that was presented in that lecture. This is because you were unable to pay attention to what was being said. When you are cognitively healthy, it is less likely that your attention span will be too short for you to learn new things, increasing your chances of adding to your intelligence.

Exploring Your Secondary Memory

This is another word used to describe your long-term memory. These are things that you have carried in your memory for years, or even decades, that you are able to quickly recall when something triggers them. For example, if you see an old phone, you will remember that your grandmother had the same phone in her home. You remember these things even though these are not memories that you need to retrieve on a regular basis.

Taking a Look at Your Working Memory

Your working memory is essentially what you use on a daily basis to get tasks completed. For example, knowing store hours and remembering a phone number are all part of your working memory. You retrieve these memories without focusing on the act of trying to remember. This information is just there for you to use and you most often use it without even really thinking about it. For example, you just pick up the phone and start dialing the number without intense preparation or thought.

Getting Information About Executive Function

This is a function that you do not have full control over. It helps to ensure that you are able to coordinate your actions and thoughts without having to put immense thought into them. For example, if something is falling above you, you move and this is part of executive function. You did not need time to think about moving. You perceived a threat, executive function sprang into action and you moved to safety.

What is Cognitive Performance?

Cognitive performance describes the overall strength of your cognitive function and it is something that you can work to improve. Your doctor can actually evaluate your cognitive performance so that you have an idea where you stand. Once you know whether or not you have any cognitive deficits, you can work toward improving them so that they do not interfere with various aspects of your life.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Cognitive Function Strong

Now that you have a better understanding about what makes up your cognitive function, it is time to work on improving it. Pretty much everyone can stand to improve their cognition and you will be happy to learn that this is a simple thing to do. Pick a few things and start using them daily to become more productive and efficient. The following are common tips people use to heighten their cognitive function:

·         Start drinking more coffee

·         Get some sunlight

·         Drink a little wine

·         Talk to yourself

·         Let your mind wander a little

·         Eat the right foods

·         Just dance

·         Get some exercise

·         Play a game of Tetris

·         Fast in between meals

When it comes to your cognitive function, you want to make sure that you are working to keep it as strong and healthy as possible. This will help you to be the best you can be at almost all aspects of your life. If you are working hard to be cognitively healthy and are still having problems in this area, make sure that you reach out to your doctor. This is because there are certain medical issues that can affect your cognitive function as a symptom and treating these conditions may aid in restoring your cognitive abilities.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK3885/