In order to appreciate the effects of chemicals upon the human brain, it is important to understand the structure of that remarkable organ.  As a method of simplifying the anatomy for the non-scientist or layperson, it may be helpful to think about the brain in comparison to a Tootsie Roll Lollipop.  Just as the lollipop has three discrete sections (an outside candy coating, a chocolate center, and a stick), the human brain can be divided into three sections (shown above).
	Historically, scientists have attributed different functions to these various brain zones:
	cortex   uniquely human functions of higher thought/planning/creating
	subcortex   animal functions (appetite, sex, emotions)
	brainstem   vegetative functions (asleep/awake, breathing, heart beat)
	As the theme of this presentation is dementia, it is important to appreciate the fact that dementia can result from serious injury to any one of the three zones described above.