Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low...

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low Working Memory Capacity The terms â€Å"baby brain† and â€Å"maternal amnesia† are informally used to describe the perceived memory loss and inattentiveness many women report suffering during pregnancy (Cuttler, Graf, Pawluski Galea, 2010). Previous studies have suggested that this perceived memory loss may be associated with temporary exhaustion of working memory capacity (WMC) (Casey, 2000). In 1971, Marian Diamond and collegues did extensive research on pregnant and non-pregnant rats and demonstrated for the first time that pregnancy reshapes the brain (Diamond, Johnson Ingham, 1971). Their findings suggest that pregnancy in rats increases dendritic spine†¦show more content†¦The ability to supersede sensory capture differs greatly between individuals, but working memory typically has a functional capacity of seven â€Å"chunks† of information (plus or minus two) (Miller, 1956). Individuals with high attentional control have greater working memory capacity (WMC) and thus, are less distracted and better able to focus only on relevant stimuli (Chabris Simons, 2010). Those with low attentional control have a limited ability to disregard sensory capture resulting in unnecessary storage of information in WM, ensuing poorer attention to the pertinent task. In the current research proposal, the general goal is to examine the extent to which cortisol levels af fect working memory throughout pregnancy. An additional, more specific goal is to assess whether individuals with high attentional control may be able to compensate for working memory deficiencies more adaptively than those with low attentional control. Review of Previous Research Results from previous research comparing pregnant and non-pregnant women on different aspects of memory have found more null results than objective deficits (Cuttler et al., 2000). However, respondents consistently report adversely affected cognitive functioning during pregnancy, despite evidence that suggests otherwise. The inconsistency of results may be due to the heterogeneity between the participants sampled (Henry Rendell, 2007). Participants involved in previous studiesShow MoreRelatedNu-545 Unit 1 Essay5474 Words   |  22 Pagesblood to the cell? â€Å"Glucose is transported by a uniport mechanism and demonstrates saturation kinetics; that is, the transport system us saturated when all the glucose-specific receptors in the membrane are occupied and operating at their maximal capacity† (McCance Huether, pg. 28). 13. Understand the transportation of potassium and sodium across plasma membranes. â€Å"Figure 1-29, Active transport and the sodium-potassium pump. Three Na+ ions bund to sodium-binding sites on the carrier’s innerRead MoreHesi Practice31088 Words   |  125 Pagesless than 2,500 g (5 lb, 8 oz). B. A low-birth-weight neonate. C. A neonate born at less than 37 weeks gestation regardless of weight. D. A neonate diagnosed with intrauterine growth retardation. 2. A client with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus has just learned she s pregnant. The nurse is teaching her about insulin requirements during pregnancy. Which guideline should the nurse provide? A. Insulin requirements don t change during pregnancy. Continue your current regimen. B. InsulinRead MoreSocm Study Guide Essay30404 Words   |  122 Pagesof the function of specific organ systems Pathological physiology (Pathology) – studies the effects of disease on organ or syst4m functions Identify the major levels of organization in living organisms. A. Chemical B. Cellular level C. Tissue level D. Organ level E. Organ system level F. Organism level Identify the organ systems of the body and the major components of each system. 1. Integumentary system: * Cutaneous membrane (layers of skin) * HairRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 PagesIntroduction to Statistics and Data Analysis This page intentionally left blank Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis Third Edition Roxy Peck California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Chris Olsen George Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, IA Jay Devore California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Australia †¢ Brazil †¢ Canada †¢ Mexico †¢ Singapore †¢ Spain †¢ United Kingdom †¢ United States Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, Third Edition