The Brain that Changes Itself

[quarky]

My wife is reading this book by Norman Doidge, M.D. and asked me to see what JREF has to say about it.

Any opinions?

[Dancing David]

You mean thi sone?
http://www.normandoidge.com/

I think I would need to read the specifics to understand. The questions are not that remarkable. It looks like "Goshm Wow, Bang" pop-science.
The brain has a structure but the software is in the interaction of the neurons, so change is occuring all the time.

Noe this quote is a little specious:
"We learn that our thoughts can switch our genes on and off, altering our brain anatomy. "

What they probably refering to is how use of a neuron releases one of the many chemicals that create enzyme gradients in neuron development. So I doubt it is what they say here.

This one is just funny:
"We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so."

And with lots and lots of practice!

[Starthinker]

This one is just funny:
"We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so."

And with lots and lots of practice!

Reminds me of Psychocybernetics, which I actually think works to some extent. Do I think you can learn to play a musical instrument this way? No. But I do think you can change yourself, how you act and behave in everyday life this way.