Brain Plasticity

Brain plasticity has been in the news the past few years. Years ago we thought the brain was hardwired and incurable. Now, we know that the brain can be malleable and new brain cells can be created. Books like, “The Brain that Changes Itself”, by Dr. Norman Doidge and “Save Your Brain:The 5 Things You Must Do to Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp” , by Dr. Paul Nussbaum, have presented evidence to show how the brain can change after damage and how to enhance thinking skills. There are also websites that have information or mind games that are purported to help increase or maintain cognitive functioning. Although I do not endorse any of these sites, or can prove without a shadow of a doubt that these mental games will help, they are interesting. For a good resource site go to www.sharpbrains.com. For computer internet brain training programs check out: www.lumosity.com, www.cognifit.com, and www.positscience.com