Neurotransmitter and Learning needs
Neurotransmitters are chemicals found inour bodies that allow neurons (nerve cells) to communicate with each other throughout the body. They play a critical role in learning and memory by facilitating communication between neurons in the brain. Different neurotransmitters are involved in various aspects of the learning process:
1. Glutamate
Role:
Glutamate is the primary excitatory (fire off message) neurotransmitter in the brain and are found throughout the central nervous system. It is responsible for over 90% of all excitatory function in the brain. This neurotransmitter is needed for making another one called GABA.
Learning Impact:
Glutamate is heavily involved in Long-Term Potentiation (LTP), a process that strengthens synaptic connections (places where nerve cells communicate) and is considered a cellular basis for learning and memory.
2. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Role:
GABA is the primary inhibitory (preventing an action) neurotransmitter in the brain. It balances the excitatory effects of glutamate, preventing overstimulation and maintaining optimal neural activity.
Learning Impact:
Proper GABA function is crucial for focus and attention, which are necessary for effective learning. Disruptions in GABAergic signaling can lead to cognitive impairments. An imbalance between Glutatamate and GABA may lead to mental dysfunction.
3. Dopamine
Role:
Dopamine is associated with movement, reward, motivation, and thus affects reinforcement of learning. It plays a key role in the brain's reward system, influencing the likelihood of repeating behaviors that lead to positive outcomes.
Learning Impact:
Dopamine facilitates learning by reinforcing behaviors that are beneficial or rewarding. It's also involved in attention and working memory, both of which are critical for learning. Low levels of Dopamine can cause ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacitivity Disorder) , Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome.
4. Acetylcholine
Role:
Acetylcholine is involved in arousal, attention, memory, and learning. It enhances the encoding of new information and supports the consolidation of memories. It aids in one’s ability to discriminate. Absence of this neurotransmitter causes forgetfulness.
Learning Impact:
High levels of acetylcholine are associated with improved attention and memory formation. It’s particularly important in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory.
5. Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
Role:
Made from Dopamine, Norepinephrine is found in the spinal cord and the brain. It affects alertness, attention, and the formation and retrieval of memories. It prepares the brain for action and enhances focus. Made in the brainstem, it is part of the sympathic nervous sysrem which is the body’s response to danger - the “Fight, Flight or freeze” response. It maintains blood pressure in times of stress and affects the Sleep-Wake cycle.
Learning Impact:
Norepinephrine is involved in the modulation of attention and is crucial for learning in stressful or emotionally charged situations. It also plays a role in the consolidation of memories. While low levels of Norepinephrine may cause anxiety, depression and ADHD, headaches and poor memory. High levels of this may cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, jitters as well as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.
6. Serotonin
Role:
Serotonin also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone. It influences body temperature, sleep, sexual behaviour, hunger, mood, emotion, wound healing and bone health. It has a modulatory effect on other neurotransmitters and plays a role in mood regulation. 90% of Serotonin is found in the gut. That’s why the gut is known as the second brain. As it is made from essential amino acid Tryptophan, it cannot be made by the body so it is crucial that one eats nutritiously.
Learning Impact:
While not directly involved in learning processes, serotonin affects mood and emotional states, sleep problems, digestive issues and compulsive behaviour which can influence motivation and the ability to learn.
Implications for Learning Needs:
Balanced Neurotransmitter Activity:
Optimal learning requires a balance in neurotransmitter activity. For example, excessive glutamate can damage neurons, while insufficient dopamine can lead to difficulties in focusing and motivation.
Targeted Interventions:
Knowing how important the individual role of each neurotransmitter and how the imbalanced level of one affects another or others, improving the delicate balance of all the neurotransmitters is essential for learning difficulties. As children’s brain are still developing, intervention is most effective when they are young. While medications are helpful in some instances like improving dopamine levels (like stimulants for ADHD) etc, bioresonance is a safe, non invasive way to balance all neurotransmitters in a child’s brain.