Journal Writing #1 (CHAPTER III)-MIDTERM

Name: Tan, Adam Kyle A. Date: January 30, 2017

1. What to you is the value of learning about how nervous system and endocrine glands
function? Why do you think should you appreciate them better now? (2 pages)

The value of learning the function of our nervous system and endocrine glands is that we

can better understand the significance of these body parts that we have. In our subject, General

Psychology, it further explains why we must take good care of our parts of the body especially if

it affects our mental or even physical state. I learned the different parts of the brain as well as

their significances. The way they relay messages to each part and how they connect it to our

senses. The way our brain inputs information, integrating it based on past experiences, and

activating mechanisms for an appropriate action. I now realize that the brain is the center of all

our action because its like the controller of our whole body. To be more precise, the

hypothalamus. The brain is divided in three different parts, namely hindbrain, midbrain, and

forebrain. Each of these has their own and unique functions. We must take really good care of

our brain because a slight damage or injury on it may cause a huge change in how we live. Spinal

cord also plays a significant role in our central nervous system, it acts like a cable connecting the

brain to different parts of the body. Damage in the spinal cord may result to slight to heavy

strokes. I can now also understand why I get nervous, why my heart beats faster, and many more.

It all starts with the sensory neurons then sends the sensation to the brain. The brain relays the

message to different glands and muscles then those glands and muscles take appropriate actions.

These are just some of the significant functions of the brain, thats why we must be extra careful

and should take care of our brain more. Im now aware of different disorders or diseases
resulting from brain damages. In endocrine glands, I now understand why other people have

abnormalities relating to their physical appearances. Some have oversecretion of pituitary glands

that results to gigantism while others have inadequate secretion resulting to dwarfism. I can say

that Im lucky because I dont have those abnormalities. So, for me, the value of learning about

these parts of endocrine glands is to appreciate what we have and feel lucky to be normal. I also

understand why I cant sleep with the lights turned on. Its because of a hormone called

Melatonin which responds to variations in light when it comes to sleeping. The higher the

melatonin, the harder it is to sleep. I also found out that a gland called thyroid gland regulates

metabolism. The faster the metabolism, the thinner the person is. It may also cause goiters if it is

overactive. While the slower the metabolism is, the fatter the person becomes. For me, I think for

now my metabolism is fast. But they say that when people reaches the age of 21 or above our

metabolism slows down, so I dont have to worry if Im thin now because I still have hope of

gaining some weight. Another part of the endocrine system is the pancreas, which regulates the

supply and the use by body cells of blood sugar. Undersecretion of insulin may result to diabetes.

Gonads is another part of the endocrine system and can also be called sex glands. These are

responsible for the production of androgens for male, and estrogens for female. There are many

more parts of our body that needs attention thats why we study these things. Being thankful for

our normal conditions may be enough but we also need to take extra good care of our bodies

because we may not know when a sudden disease may pop up out of nowhere. We must

appreciate these God-given parts that we have now before its too late.

2. Research for at least one neurological disorder or disorder that involves brain damage.
 Alzheimers Disease or commonly known as Alzheimers, is a chronic neurodegenerative

disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. It is the cause of 60% to 70% of cases

of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-

term memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language,

disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self

care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family

and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed

of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed

to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of head

injuries, depression, or hypertension. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles

in the brain. A probable diagnosis is based on the history of the illness and cognitive testing with

medical imaging and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Initial symptoms are often

mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis.

Mental and physical exercise, and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of AD. There are no

medications or supplements that decrease risk.

No treatments stop or reverse its progression, though some may temporarily improve

symptoms. Affected people increasingly rely on others for assistance, often placing a burden on

the caregiver; the pressures can include social, psychological, physical, and economic elements.

Exercise programmes may be beneficial with respect to activities of daily living and can
potentially improve outcomes. Treatment of behavioural problems or psychosis due to dementia

with antipsychotics is common but not usually recommended due to there often being little

benefit and an increased risk of early death.

3. Explore more information about caring for the brain.

Practicing good nutrition. We can choose foods that help protect our brains. The good news is, if

you are one of the many adults who try to follow a "heart smart" diet, you are also on track for

"brain smart" menu choices. A 2010 study by Columbia University researchers confirmed that a

high level of "good cholesterol" (HDL) is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Avoid:

cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats. Choose: fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as

olive oil or canola oil. Take a multivitaminbut don't take megadoses that could be toxic. Even

on a day-to-day basis, nourishing meals improve alertness and help us retain memories.

Staying physically active. Just as a "heart smart" diet helps protect the brain, heart-strengthening

aerobic exercise improves memory and even lowers the risk of dementia. A National Institute on

Aging-funded study this year showed that moderate aerobic exercise can actually increase the

size of the area of thebrain involved in memory formation. Indeed, according to a study by

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researcher J. Carson Smith, "If you are at genetic risk for

Alzheimer's disease, the benefits of exercise to your brain function might be even greater than for

those who do not have that genetic risk." Talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise

program that is right for you.

harder to concentrate the next day. And did you know that memories of the day are "filed away"

in the brain while we sleep? People who suffer from sleep disturbances often experience memory

problems. But many sleep disorders are treatable, so speak to your healthcare provider if you

experience trouble falling asleep, bothersome wakeful periods during the night, or snoring

(which might suggest sleep apneaa disorder that causes interruption in breathing during sleep).

Treat depression and avoid stress. Both cause chemical changes that can damage the brain. If you

are feeling overly stressed, or if depression is making it hard for you to focus and concentrate,

talk with your healthcare provider. Counseling, meditation and other relaxation techniques can

all help.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Many substances found in cigarette smoke damage

the brain and impair memory. A 2010 study from Kaiser Permanente demonstrates a startling

172% increased risk of dementia among heavy smokers! And while a number of studies suggest

that drinking in moderation might actually be beneficial, having more than a drink or two per day

can be toxic to the brain.

Bring up memory concerns at your next healthcare appointment. Share with your doctor if you

have experienced problems, especially disorientation, forgetting recently learned information, or

a sudden inability to complete familiar tasks. While it's tempting to be in denial about memory

impairment, early diagnosis of conditions such as Alzheimer's or mini-strokes allows treatment

sooner treatment begins, the better!

Have your healthcare provider review your medications. Our lives are improved and extended by

many of the medicines we takebut overmedication and the side effects of some drugs can dull

the memory. Common culprits: tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain medications, high blood

pressure drugs. Your physician may switch you to a different drug or dosage to lessen the effect.