The Plastic Mind (Tom Thorne Novels)

New
Paperback
2009
$13.90

For decades, the conventional wisdom of neuroscience held that the hardware of the brain is fixed - that we are stuck with what we were born with. But recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity reveal that the brain is capable not only of altering its structure but also of generating new neurons, even into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma and compensate for disability. In this groundbreaking book, highly respected science writer Sharon Begley documents how this fundamental paradigm shift is transforming both our understanding of the human mind and our approach to deep-seated emotional, cognitive and behavioural problems. These breakthroughs show that it is possible to reset our happiness meter, regain the use of limbs disabled by stroke, train the mind to break cycles of depression and OCD and reverse age-related changes in the brain.

Synopsis

For decades, the conventional wisdom of neuroscience held that the hardware of the brain is fixed - that we are stuck with what we were born with. But recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity reveal that the brain is capable not only of altering its structure but also of generating new neurons, even into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma and compensate for disability. In this groundbreaking book, highly respected science writer Sharon Begley documents how this fundamental paradigm shift is transforming both our understanding of the human mind and our approach to deep-seated emotional, cognitive and behavioural problems. These breakthroughs show that it is possible to reset our happiness meter, regain the use of limbs disabled by stroke, train the mind to break cycles of depression and OCD and reverse age-related changes in the brain.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Constable
Published: 26 Feb 2009
ISBN 10: 1845296745
ISBN 13: 9781845296742
Book Overview: Is it really possible to change the structure and function of the brain, and in so doing alter how we think and feel? The answer is a resounding yes.

Media Reviews

There are two great things about this book. One is that it shows us how nothing about our brains is set in stone. The other is that it is written by Sharon Begley, one of the best science writers around. This is a terrific book. -- Robert Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

It is very seldom that a science in its infancy is so skilfully unpacked that it reads like a detective novel.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses

-- Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses
Brilliant * Health Writer *

Author Bio

Sharon Begley, science columnist for the Wall Street Journal and was previously the senior science writer at Newsweek. She is the co-author of The Mind and the Brain.