Hello!
My girlfriend is able to have a conversation with someone, but in the meantime also perfectly ‘eavesdrop’ another conversation in her environment (eg behind her). So she can focus on several things at once.
I tried to find some info on this, to see if this ‘skill’ has a name, but I find very little about it. That is why I ask you whether this occurs frequently, how this is possible and what the possible name is.
Thanks in advance!
Answer
Dear Anthony,
This phenomenon is called divided attention and is usually discussed under the chapter on executive functions. This is a group of functions related to the frontal lobe of our brain. In some people, the divided attention may be better than in others. It is also subject to alertness and fatigue, ingestion of alcohol and medication,…
Prof.Dr.P.Santens
Neurology UZ Gent
Answered by
Prof Patrick Santens
Neurology and neuroscience. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s. Cognitive and movement disorders.
http://www.ugent.be
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