Neuroenergetics

Abstract

The brain uses 20% of the body’s energy. The processes delivering that energy to neurons can fail in numerous ways. The neuroenergetics theory draws out the implications of failure in the supply chain between blood capillaries and neurons. The theory is implemented as a diffusion model that yields response-latency distributions, error rates, and other predictions for typical individuals engaged in focused activities and for special populations such as those with neurodevelopmental disorders. It predicts the effects of stimulants, trial spacing, and fatigue. Here, the implications of energetic insufficiency are explored in the context of the positive manifold of abilities, disabilities, and psychiatric comorbidities.