“This dulled, useless state of mind – epitomized by

the act of going into a room and then forgetting

why we are there is so boring, so lifeless…

One powerful factor could be the fact

that everything is so samey.

Moya Sarner, free-lance journalist

 

Dear Friends,

 

More than a few of us have compared this past year to the movie “Ground Hog Day”.  I rather prefer Ms. Sarner’s take on our daily lives, namely they’re all just so samey.  Having trouble remembering words or remembering what you did this morning much less last week?  You may be suffering from brain fog. Ditch the samey for new and different.  A switch of venue or even company for coffee just might switch your cognition back on. Here’s one explanation why.

 Sarner contacted two neuroscientists to discuss the origins and solutions of this cognitive loss. (1) In short, they replied that the human brain evolved in such a way as to sharpen focus on novel events in the environment.  This was, of course, essential during the hunt-and-gather days when humans were as likely to be prey as predators.  We continue to rely on instantaneous notation of possible danger even before it comes into our conscious mind, say a car moving into our path, the smell of smoke, or a stranger approaching, all of which lead to a necessary brain alertness.  On the lighter side, new places, unexpected events, unusual sounds, or beautiful scenery also catches our attention and highlights our memories. 

 I will never forget where I was last Sunday, sitting mid-afternoon at the Irish Snug on Colfax listening to a huge tableful of musicians playing guitars, mandolins, accordions and one maestro on the double bass cello.  I got a bit teary-eyed in a happy sort of way, relieved to be back in the world of people and music, meeting new people and enjoying music I’d never heard.  And (placebo? brain re-engagement?) I really do feel less scrambled.

 Best wishes as the new normal emerges,

 Denver Doc

 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/14/brain-fog-how-trauma-uncertainty-and-isolation-have-affected-our-minds-and-memory

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