What is the Origin of Cognitive Power Budget?

This term is an analogy borrowed from engineering and finance, where a "budget" implies a limited resource pool that must be allocated efficiently. Applying it to cognition frames mental workload as an energy expenditure against a fixed capacity.

What is the Mechanism of Cognitive Power Budget?

Cortisol, while essential for arousal, chronically elevated levels can deplete glucose reserves needed by neurons, effectively shrinking the available budget through allostatic overload. Thyroid hormones directly regulate the basal metabolic rate underpinning neuronal activity, thus setting the overall capacity of the budget. Optimization requires balancing energy substrates and mitigating chronic stressors that demand constant, high-cost resource allocation from this limited pool.

Cognitive Power Budget ∞ Area

Cognitive Power Budget

Meaning

The Cognitive Power Budget conceptualizes the finite neuro-metabolic resources available to the brain for executive functions, decision-making, and focused attention at any given time. From a hormonal perspective, this budget is heavily influenced by metabolic hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and glucose availability, which modulate neuronal energy supply and stress resilience. Maintaining this budget is essential for optimal neuroendocrine function.