Neuro-pharmacologist John D. Roache of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio said the brain is hard-wired with systems that control attention, learning and behavioral activation in motivational processes such as hunger, sex drive and social involvement.

Clearly, interest in politics can be arousing and engaging, and stimulates many of these same processes, Roache said.

These political campaigns are having biological effects in people who are closely following the debates, participating in rallies or actively campaigning, Roache said in a statement.

As we listen to the candidates and think about what is being said, the brain processes the information, which grows neural connections and increases the neurochemical signaling that is associated with learning and memory.

If people become emotionally engaged and even become politically active by going to a rally or actively campaigning for a candidate, then the greater levels of emotion or commitment further enhance the brain processes and connect them all the more with the emotion and physical activity involved, Roache explained.

Source: United Press International. Powered by YellowBrix.

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