What Impairs Executive Functioning

On August 13, 2008 in

What Impairs ‘Executive Functioning’

of the ‘Frontal Brain Lobes’? 

• *Poor Brain Blood Flow (reduced oxygen, nutrients and neurotransmitters to the brain) Our program increase brain blood flow by appoximately 28%.
• *Brainwaves are Inflexible and Stuck in a Slow Brainwave Pattern (executive functions require the faster brainwave frequencies such as; high alpha to beta brainwave frequencies).  Note:  Many individuals with learning and mood disorders are stuck in a ‘theta’ (dream-state) brainwave pattern and are unable to produce the ‘beta’ brainwaves required for executive function tasks. There is under arousal and under stimulation. Hence, individuals often seek environmental stimulation to compensate for this imbalance.
• *Neurotransmitter Irregularity or an inadequate supply of necessary neurotransmitters in the brain. Note: neurotransmitters are messenger chemicals to assist with brain-body and intra-brain communications.  Research shows the tools we use in the Easy Focus program significantly increase Key neurotransmitters by 14 -26%.  See research studies under ‘Research’ section.
• *Poor Communication and Integration Between the Right and Left Brain Hemispheres (again these individuals are typically very right brain dominant, and there is under use of the left brain, including the logic, order, sequence, memory, time, structure etc. qualities that the left brain offers)
• *Mood and Mind State Impairment caused by anxiousness , depression and hyperactivity
• Injury to the Brain
• Improper Diet and Nutrition (Note: protein is essential to neurotransmitter production, insure there is adequate protein in the morning meal)
• *Stress

 *WE IMPROVE FUNCTIONING SIGNIFICANTLY IN THESE AREAS!

The ‘Executive Function’ – ‘Frontal Lobe’ Connection 

Executive functioning is integrally connected with the frontal lobes of the brain. The frontal lobes govern the area of executive functioning; including attention, social conduct, emotional control, organization, time management, working memory and complex problem solving.

Deficits in frontal lobe performance and executive functioning can create a host of difficulties for individuals in both school (or career) and social situations, and in life in general; negatively impacting self-esteem, life view and anxiety levels. Thus, complicating matters even further, other serious conditions often co-occur with executive function deficits. For example: two thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other coexisting problem, such as depression or anxiety.

Accommodating students with complex cases of executive function deficits is critical! These children are at greater risk than their peers for a multitude of school problems, for example, failing a grade, skipping school, suspension, expulsion, and sometimes, dropping out of school and not going to college.

Executive Function Disorders:  are associated with a number of psychiatric and developmental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, depression, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Executive function deficits also appear to play a role in antisocial behavior, including aggression, oppositional defiance and conduct disorder.