Dr. Terry Sejnowski: How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI

Cognitive Processes

Understanding cognitive processes is crucial for mastering skills and decision-making. Terry Sejnowski highlights the role of the prefrontal cortex in social interactions and procedural learning, which is more efficient than cognitive learning as it becomes automatic through repetition 1. He explains that the value function, a concept from reinforcement learning, is integral to both motor skills and complex social interactions, allowing us to learn from rewards and punishments 2. This function is constantly updated, making it a permanent part of our experience. Sejnowski notes, "Rewards, by the way, every time you do something, you're updating this value function every time. And it accumulates."

Rewards, by the way, every time you do something, you're updating this value function every time. And it accumulates.

--- Terry Sejnowski

Recent advancements allow us to observe complex cognitive behaviors in real-time, revealing insights into how different brain areas interact during learning and sleep 3.

   

Neural Connectivity

Neural connectivity plays a pivotal role in cognitive functions and brain health. Andrew Huberman discusses how psilocybin increases global brain connectivity, which may aid in recovery from depression by enhancing communication between brain areas 4. Sejnowski explains that during early development, the brain forms numerous synapses, which are later pruned to optimize energy use and maintain essential connections 4. He states, "Synapses are expensive. It takes a lot of energy to activate all of the neurons and the synapses."

Synapses are expensive. It takes a lot of energy to activate all of the neurons and the synapses.

--- Terry Sejnowski

This pruning process continues into adulthood, albeit at a slower pace, highlighting the brain's adaptability and efficiency in managing its resources.

   

Sleep & Neuromodulators

Sleep and neuromodulators significantly impact mental health and cognitive functions. Sejnowski notes that during sleep, neuromodulators are downregulated, except for acetylcholine, which rises during REM sleep 5. This regulation is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Huberman highlights the relationship between daytime exercise and the prevalence of sleep spindles, which are essential for memory retention 6. Sejnowski shares, "Maybe if you had more sleep spindles, maybe you'd be able to remember things better."

Maybe if you had more sleep spindles, maybe you'd be able to remember things better.

--- Terry Sejnowski

The use of drugs like Ambien can increase sleep spindles, enhancing memory retention, but they come with potential downsides, such as memory loss of events during sleep.