#cognition

[tumbler-polls]

When you picture yourself in your mind, do you imagine yourself precisely how you look in real life, or do you see something else (an alter ego, a person who looks differently, another being, etc.)? When you're visualizing from the first person's pov, whose hands are you seeing? If you have aphantasia, consider "seeing" as a metaphor for the way you think of the concept of yourself.

The main options (we put them here due to the character limit):

🪞: I only imagine myself the way I look like irl.

🪆: I imagine someone/something that represents me.

✨️: I imagine myself in multiple ways: the way I am, as another being, as an abstract concept, you name it.

Please reblog for a bigger sample size and feel free to expand on your answer in the comments / tags!

Credit to @anon (we added a few options).

[archiveofaffinities]

William J. Mitchell, The Logic of Architecture Design, Computation and Cognition, A Vocabulary of Stair Motifs (After Thiis Evensen, 1988)

[rage-emissions]

sometimes you just gotta make your tief sit the heck down

[hexagr]

Your ability to describe the world affects how you think about it. If the language and idioms you know are constrained to a particular window, that window will act as a constraint in shaping not only how you see the world, but also how you experience the world.

[geometrymatters]

The geometry of the Borromean Rings

Borromean rings are a captivating geometric structure composed of three interlinked rings. What makes them unique is their interdependency; if any one ring is removed, the entire structure collapses. This fascinating property, known as "Brunnian" linkage, means that no two rings are directly linked, yet all three are inseparable as a group. This intricate dance of unity and fragility offers a profound insight into the nature of interconnected systems, both in mathematics and beyond.

Borromean Rings and Mathematical Knots

Borromean rings also find a significant place in the study of mathematical knots, a field dedicated to understanding how loops and tangles can be organized and categorized. The intricate relationship among the rings provides a rich visual and conceptual tool for mathematicians. Knot theorists use these rings to explore properties of space, topology, and the ways in which complex systems can be both resilient and fragile. The visual representation of Borromean rings in knot theory not only aids in mathematical comprehension but also enhances our appreciation of their symmetrical beauty and profound interconnectedness.

Symbolism and Divinity in Borromean Rings

Throughout history, Borromean rings have been imbued with symbolic significance, often associated with divinity and the concept of the trinity. In Christianity, they serve as a powerful visual metaphor for the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – illustrating how three distinct entities can form a single, inseparable divine essence. This symbol is not confined to Christianity alone; many other cultures and religions see the interconnected rings as representations of unity, interdependence, and the intricate balance of the cosmos.

Borromean Rings as a Metaphor for Illusory Reality

Beyond their mathematical and symbolic significance, Borromean rings offer a profound metaphor for the nature of reality itself. They illustrate how interconnectedness can create the illusion of a solid, stable structure. This resonates with philosophical and spiritual notions that reality, as perceived, is a complex web of interdependent elements, each contributing to an overarching illusion of solidity and permanence. In this way, the Borromean rings challenge us to reconsider the nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things.

[superxstarzz]

Can you do:

Anarchist of Cognition

Gatekeeper of Expression

Cleric of Sentience

Displacer of Exile

Hoarder of Grief [New Class]

here ya go!!! :3

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 3, 2025

Synaptic weight dynamics underlying memory consolidation: Implications for learning rules, circuit organization, and circuit function. Bhasin, B. J., Raymond, J. L., & Goldman, M. S. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(41), e2406010121.

Characterization of the temporal stability of ToM and pain functional brain networks carry distinct developmental signatures during naturalistic viewing. Bhavna, K., Ghosh, N., Banerjee, R., & Roy, D. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22479.

Connectomic reconstruction predicts visual features used for navigation. Garner, D., Kind, E., Lai, J. Y. H., Nern, A., Zhao, A., Houghton, L., … Kim, S. S. (2024). Nature, 634(8032), 181–190.

Socialization causes long-lasting behavioral changes. Gil-Martí, B., Isidro-Mézcua, J., Poza-Rodriguez, A., Asti Tello, G. S., Treves, G., Turiégano, E., … Martin, F. A. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22302.

Neural pathways and computations that achieve stable contrast processing tuned to natural scenes. Gür, B., Ramirez, L., Cornean, J., Thurn, F., Molina-Obando, S., Ramos-Traslosheros, G., & Silies, M. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8580.

Lack of optimistic bias during social evaluation learning reflects reduced positive self-beliefs in depression and social anxiety, but via distinct mechanisms. Hoffmann, J. A., Hobbs, C., Moutoussis, M., & Button, K. S. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22471.

Causal involvement of dorsomedial prefrontal cortex in learning the predictability of observable actions. Kang, P., Moisa, M., Lindström, B., Soutschek, A., Ruff, C. C., & Tobler, P. N. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8305.

A transient high-dimensional geometry affords stable conjunctive subspaces for efficient action selection. Kikumoto, A., Bhandari, A., Shibata, K., & Badre, D. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8513.

Presaccadic Attention Enhances and Reshapes the Contrast Sensitivity Function Differentially around the Visual Field. Kwak, Y., Zhao, Y., Lu, Z.-L., Hanning, N. M., & Carrasco, M. (2024). eNeuro, 11(9), ENEURO.0243-24.2024.

Transformation of neural coding for vibrotactile stimuli along the ascending somatosensory pathway. Lee, K.-S., Loutit, A. J., de Thomas Wagner, D., Sanders, M., Prsa, M., & Huber, D. (2024). Neuron, 112(19), 3343-3353.e7.

Inhibitory plasticity supports replay generalization in the hippocampus. Liao, Z., Terada, S., Raikov, I. G., Hadjiabadi, D., Szoboszlay, M., Soltesz, I., & Losonczy, A. (2024). Nature Neuroscience, 27(10), 1987–1998.

Third-party punishment-like behavior in a rat model. Mikami, K., Kigami, Y., Doi, T., Choudhury, M. E., Nishikawa, Y., Takahashi, R., … Tanaka, J. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22310.

The morphospace of the brain-cognition organisation. Pacella, V., Nozais, V., Talozzi, L., Abdallah, M., Wassermann, D., Forkel, S. J., & Thiebaut de Schotten, M. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8452.

A Drosophila computational brain model reveals sensorimotor processing. Shiu, P. K., Sterne, G. R., Spiller, N., Franconville, R., Sandoval, A., Zhou, J., … Scott, K. (2024). Nature, 634(8032), 210–219.

Decision-making shapes dynamic inter-areal communication within macaque ventral frontal cortex. Stoll, F. M., & Rudebeck, P. H. (2024). Current Biology, 34(19), 4526-4538.e5.

Intrinsic Motivation in Dynamical Control Systems. Tiomkin, S., Nemenman, I., Polani, D., & Tishby, N. (2024). PRX Life, 2(3), 033009.

Coding of self and environment by Pacinian neurons in freely moving animals. Turecek, J., & Ginty, D. D. (2024). Neuron, 112(19), 3267-3277.e6.

The role of training variability for model-based and model-free learning of an arbitrary visuomotor mapping. Velázquez-Vargas, C. A., Daw, N. D., & Taylor, J. A. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(9), e1012471.

Rejecting unfairness enhances the implicit sense of agency in the human brain. Wang, Y., & Zhou, J. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22822.

Impaired motor-to-sensory transformation mediates auditory hallucinations. Yang, F., Zhu, H., Cao, X., Li, H., Fang, X., Yu, L., … Tian, X. (2024). PLOS Biology, 22(10), e3002836.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

Watch the video via the link!

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the persistence or appearance of neurologic symptoms after clearance of SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a serious health challenge for patients and clinicians worldwide. The effects of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), commonly known as Long COVID, can be debilitating and persist for months after infection. Some of these symptoms can include fatigue, neuropsychiatric sequelae, sleep disturbances, sensorimotor symptoms, cognitive impairment/brain fog, hypoguesia/hyposmia, hearing loss, and ocular symptoms.

As emphasized by the research and experts in the field, currently there are no specific tests for the diagnosis of Long COVID, and clinical features such as laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to the condition. It is important to develop and validate biomarkers for the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of Long COVID and its response to therapeutics. Regardless of age or preexisting health conditions, Long COVID can affect anyone, highlighting that this condition is not restricted to any specific demographic and does not discriminate, even against the healthiest individuals.

Recently, we conducted a Long COVID roundtable in collaboration with NeurologyLive to continue our roundtable video series where we delve into important clinical neurological disease topics with a comprehensive discussion with clinicians in the field. In this episode, clinicians discussed the serious cognitive impacts of COVID-19, particularly in patients with Long COVID. The experts stressed that Long COVID poses a significant public health issue, urging stronger infection prevention and mitigation strategies to address these cognitive risks, especially with the potential long-term effects on adults and children.

Our panel of clinicians include:

Ravindra Ganesh, MD, MBBS, FACP, Dip ABOM, general medicine doctor at the Mayo Clinic and leader of their Long COVID clinic. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD, FAAN, clinical associate professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, director of the Dysautonomia Clinic. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, professor, and chair of rehabilitation medicine at UT Health, leader of the Long COVID clinic. Transcript edited for clarity.

Blitshteyn: Well, we know from multiple studies that COVID does not have a positive effect on cognition, and many patients with long COVID experience cognitive impairment, which is termed brain fog. Early on, studies showed that it was quite rare for the virus to be found in brain tissues. More likely, there is some kind of neuroinflammatory process with microglial activation, small vessel disease, a hypercoagulable state, platelet activation, and certainly, effects on the brain from potential microbiome alteration and autonomic dysfunction at the central level. These are all possible mechanisms.

From cognitive studies, we know that even in patients who feel fully recovered, there is a measurable effect from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, there was a study from the UK that found a 3-point decrease in neurocognitive testing, equivalent to a 3-point IQ loss, in patients with mild COVID who felt recovered. Patients with lingering, long COVID symptoms had neurocognitive testing scores decreased, equivalent to a 6-point IQ loss. Those who were hospitalized in the ICU experienced a significant loss, equivalent to a 9-point IQ drop. It's staggering when you think about it. Even when you feel well and think you're fully recovered, just the fact that you had an infection may worsen your cognitive state, and that is very important. I think this represents one of the major public health issues in neurology and neuroscience.

There is a huge push for brain health initiatives right now, and to me, this is one of the major topics we must focus on. How does it affect adults? How does it affect children and teenagers who continue to have recurrent COVID infections? While most mitigation strategies have been removed—no more indoor masking, widespread testing, or concern for air quality—and as school starts in August and September, this is very concerning to me as a neurologist.

In a nutshell, it’s important to mention that SARS-CoV-2 started as a respiratory virus. However, I think through mutation, it now shows an affinity for vascular pathology, hypercoagulability, and certainly an effect on the brain, likely through neuroinflammatory pathways. We also need to mention the importance of viral persistence and how that plays into whether viral particles activate neuroinflammation and autoimmunity, which still needs to be studied. But on a larger scale, I see this as a major public health issue, significantly impacting cognition and brain health at the population level.

Verduzco-Gutierrez: I couldn’t agree more with everything she said. To answer how long COVID impacts the brain and cognitive function—in one word: terribly. We don’t know what else is to come in the future. A recent study showed that two-thirds—about 63%—of people over 65 who were hospitalized for COVID were already experiencing cognitive decline. We know cognitive decline can lead to dementia. We really have to consider that this will disable people, not just physically, but mentally and cognitively as well. That’s going to be a big burden on our populations as they age. I just couldn’t agree more—this is a public health issue. We have to continue to prevent infections.We’re seeing these impacts in people, as she said, who had mild cases of COVID and got better, yet experienced IQ drops.

Ganesh: What’s exceptionally scary are the people who’ve had COVID 6, 7, or 8 times, right? These are the individuals who will experience the most profound impacts, second only to those who were in the ICU. With the current variants and the lack of truly effective preventative measures, it’s concerning. The vaccine right now isn’t great, and there have been reports of escape even from the new monoclonal antibodies. It’s a bit worrisome at the moment.

Blitshteyn: I want to add that there are also studies showing brain aging by 10 years. Other studies show it accelerates neurodegenerative processes and may be a vehicle for Parkinsonian symptoms and alpha-synucleinopathy. When you delve into the neuroscience literature, the impact is so big that you really start to worry. I think that’s a major area of research, from both a research standpoint and in terms of public health measures. I believe we need to do everything we can to mitigate infection. We may not fully prevent it, but reducing the risk of transmission and reinfection should be our goal.

Verduzco-Gutierrez: We have so much to say about this because we all love neurologic conditions, right? We could just keep going. But before COVID, I used to care for patients with post-polio syndrome, and we knew that the aftermath of polio sometimes showed up decades later. So, we still don’t know what we might see decades from now with COVID. I think that could be part of the dimension we’re missing, but we’ll see.

[mentalisttraceur]

As much as I want to rage at the "I'm an estranged parent because my child is entitled. oh I just have no idea what I did wrong!" crowd...

As much as such rage is justified, because those people cause monstrous harm and pain in the lives of their children, family, and so on...

As much as I have personally been hurt by people that exhibited similar a dearth of self-critical reflection in some areas...

Ultimately, as I've gotten healthier, kept a healthier distance from people who do that, set better boundaries around it... The more I am starting to open up to the framing that such people just have a serious mental disability. Because I no longer need this problem to be within my power to change.

And I don't know if it's in-born, traumagenic, a failure to nurture the right things, or just learned and reinforced because it's very adaptive in other ways. Maybe it's still ultimately just caused by a skill issue and lack of motivation to improve.

But regardless of cause, it really does seem like a disability. If someone you know can't walk, or can only walk a few steps a day at great cost, we'd immediately recognize that as a disability.

These people can't walk. Mentally, along whole dimensions of self-reflection. And if you tell me they can... prove it? Because we have an ungodly amount of people in this world empirically behaving as if they can't.

How many paraplegics in wheelchairs do we need to see to invent the concept of paralysis below the waist?

How many chronically ill people have to be exhausted for hours after five minutes of walking before we stop thinking they're all just lazy or selfish?

How many people have to reflexively avoid walking in the most creative and insurmountable ways imaginable before we think maybe walking causes them unbearable pain or unaffordable malfunction?

And no, showing me people who put in the hard work and eventually outgrew this isn't proof. If you have a disability and then later it's cured, that's not proof that you were never disabled.

That all said: if someone is hurting you because of a disability - you are still just as hurt, your anger is still a healthy reaction against being wronged, and the same self-defense and self-care measures are equally justified.

You never owe the same abuse more endurance just because the cause is involuntary.

Disability instead of choice on their end does not imply that you have an obligation to take it.

It is simply another model in your toolkit for understanding, predicting, and deciding.

It might also be healing and freeing - maybe nothing you ever did or said, nothing anyone could say or do, could've changed this. They just couldn't walk the steps you needed.

[mindblowingscience]

A small pilot study hints that personalized interventions have a powerful potential for boosting cognitive health in older people at risk of Alzheimer's. Dementias, including Alzheimer's, are among the most feared illnesses affecting older adults, and it's clear why. Globally, tens of millions of people are living with dementia, and there are limited effective treatments. So University of California, San Francisco neurologist Kristine Yaffe and colleagues have taken a new approach. "This is the first personalized intervention, focusing on multiple areas of cognition, in which risk factor targets are based on a participant's risk profile, preferences and priorities," explains Yaffe. The researchers provided personal, customized coaching for 82 experimental group participants. This involved each volunteer working with a coach to identify goals based on risk factors and tailor activities to suit each individual's abilities, interests, and preferences across diet, medication, exercise, social, psychological, sleep, and education programs.

Continue Reading.

[tilbageidanmark]

A list of cognitive biases

[courtingwonder]

Chart of 20 Cognitive Biases That Affect Decision-Making

[quotelr]

Nightmares are seldom a foreshadowing of real events, but always a showing of real fears.

Criss Jami, Healology

[rage-emissions]

can i get a uuuuuuuh psychosomatic impalement

[hexagr]

The nice thing about small talk and seemingly boring thoughts is that they help break up narratives on the way to more interesting thoughts.

[geometrymatters]

A polynon is a conceptual geometric entity of which vertices are non-events and its edges holograms.

A polynon contains all the holograms of that which can be projected as a polytope, showing how consciousness can be fundamental.

In the Hexanon, shown above, the Observer O(n) is in superposition with the phenomenal p+, epiphenomenal p-, negative noumena n- and noumenal vertices n+ of the hexanon as a function for self-reflection of consciousness C.

The polynon is built on the lens mechanism of the wavefunction: each layer of the noumenal lens is a wavefunction in itself, providing mechanism for the observer as function of noumenal reflection.

The paper is now available on philpapers, as well: https://philarchive.org/rec/ROITPA