This is a fascinating book about the plasticity of the human brain. The neurologists/neuroscientists explain how their recent studies/
experiments have changed our view about the brain. They view the brain as quite plastic, even as we age. Barbara Arrowsmith Young stated that every child should have a brain based learning assessment to tackle educational weakness at a young age. Education increases the number of branches of neurons, which increase brain’s volume and thickness. The irony is that the educational philosophy is moving less and less to brain based learning. A scientist showed that any activity that requires highly focused attention, such as, learning a new language, Tai Chi, is good for the brain because it improves memory, shapes motor cortex, and other faculties. Taub demonstrated CI therapy improved patient’s functioning after suffering a stroke. Any training that is related to everyday life, done in short increments and concentrated in a short time improves brain functioning. Schwartz studied human obsessions and concluded if you can refocus on an activity for 30 minutes, you decrease the need for the obsession. Pascual-Leone proved one could change our brain anatomy by using our imagination. Karansky stated one could generate and sustain brain cells with exercise and mental activity. Keep learning to ward off age related memory loss. I would highly recommend this intriguing book on the plasticity of the human brain.
(Guest Reviewer: Sarah)
