Attention Span

Description

Attention Span is the ability to focus on or concentrate on a given subject or task.  Periods of Attention are associated with prominent Beta Brain Wave activity (as measured by EEG readings).

Attention Span is under the control of the Locus Coeruleus (a region of the Brain Stem)  ^[1]  and the Putamen (a region of the Cerebrum).  The Cerebellum also plays a role in Attention Span.

Alkaloids

 Caffeine may temporarily increase Attention Span due to it stimulating the Central Nervous System.  ^[2]

 Nicotine may increase Attention Span (including the Attention Span of Alzheimer’s Disease patients).  ^[3]

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) (1,500 mg per day) may increase Attention Span (in both normal, healthy people and people with Alzheimer’s Disease).  ^[4]

 Glutamic Acid may increase Attention Span.  ^[5]

 Theanine may increase Attention Span.  ^[6]

Hormones

 Optimal Brain levels of Insulin may increase Attention Span.  ^[7]

 Impaired Attention Span may occur as a result of insufficient of Triiodothyronine (T3) in the Brain.  ^[8]

Lipids

 Phosphatidylserine (PS) may increase Attention Span. 

Minerals

 Boron deficiency reduces Attention Span.  ^[9]

 Reduced Attention Span may occur as a result of Iron deficiency.  ^[10]

 Reduced Attention Span may occur as a result of Magnesium deficiency.  ^[11]

 Zinc may increase Attention Span.  ^[12]

Neurotransmitters

 Acetylcholine may increase Attention Span.  ^[13]

 Norepinephrine may increase Attention Span.  ^[14]

 Phenylethylamine may increase Attention Span.

Prescribed Medications

 Sibutramine may increase Attention Span.  ^[15]

Polyphenols

 Pycnogenol may increase the Attention Span of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients. 

Smart Drugs

 Aniracetam may increase Attention Span.