The Brain That Changes Itself
Stories of Personal Triumph From the Frontiers of Brain Science
Book - 2007
A new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychoanalyst Doidge traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformed--people whose mental limitations or brain damage were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.
Publisher:
New York : Viking, 2007
ISBN:
9780143113102
9780670038305
9780670038305
Characteristics:
p. ; cm.


Comment
Add a CommentPurchased a used copy. Reading as a follow up to his 2nd book to better understand from a self-help standpoint.
Good Book; Enjoyed it.
Neuroplasticity is real.
Reassuring and hopeful, this book shows us that our brain is not a machine; it can heal itself, rewire itself, and with practice we can achieve results that had been thought impossible only a few years ago. Neuroplasticity is the promising ability of our brain to compensate for damaged areas or even to improve what we've got. Doidge's case studies and interviews with neuroscientists give us an exciting look into this new field.
The brain really CAN change: It is a plastic, living organ that can actually change its own structure and function, even into old age. This revolutionary discovery, called neuroplasticity, promises to overthrow the centuries-old notion that the brain is fixed and unchanging.
Interesting introduction to a topic that is still considered fringy by some. Turns some long cherished beliefs about the limits of neural development and recovery after illness or injury on their head. New neurons do indeed form, though not in quite the same number and manner as in embryonic development. Existing neurons can indeed heal and re-wire themselves, though perhaps not quite as good as new. The science is in. Lots of questions remain of course, but that's science for you.
The book is a bit tiresome in the hero-worship and description of trials and tribulations of researchers, clinicians and those who have had "miraculous" recoveries. Adulation aside though, it brings alive some otherwise rather dry research findings and makes you wonder what might be the next big discovery.
HUGE references section for those who might want to base a term paper on this book. Almost as easy as Google. If you do, make sure to credit your sources . . .
Well-written and fascinating. My favorite combination :)
I find this book incredibly inspiring.
Doidge is engaging, interesting, and very human - the subject matter may be scientific, but this is definitely not a dry read. In each chapter, Doidge weaves a story that colorfully illustrates the potential of the human brain to heal and improve itself.
Hooray for an author who looks past out-dated scientific dogma and really looks at what the brain can do - which is a lot.
This is honestly one of my favorite books of all time. Besides recommending it to nearly every friend and family member, I have even recommended it to strangers I've met on the bus - the book is just that memorable. :-)
Accessible book on brain plasticity; interesting stories. Some of the animal testing is disturbing but the information gained was fascinating. Fed my need for science-nerd content! I have some limited experience with FastForWord so I do wonder about the studies/reliability/validity etc. That being said, the individual case studies made for a good read.
Be prepared to read about animal testing.
Interesting.