Focusing on our Brains for a Change

We'll meet June 3rd to talk about Norman Doidge, MD's book, The Brain That Changes Itself.

It's been a little departure for us as we don't read too many non-fiction books! Talk about using your brain. The human stories in the book were fascinating, and, at times, heart wrenching. Who knew a person could be born with literally half a brain? And survive!?

The stroke victim recovery stories were amazing. Our brains are truly fascinating organs with the ability to restructure and move on from damage and devastation.

I've been seeing many articles and news stories now related to brain plasticity. Here is a link to one I saw today on Improving Your Memory: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/mind-body-connection/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=28555292>1=32053

Also, Psychology Today this month had a couple of interesting related blurbs.

In the article, Willpower Workout, it talked about how brain teasers help substance abusers beat addiction. "Borrowing an approach used to rehab stroke and traumatic brain injury victims, they put substance abusers through cognitive boot camp, building up the part of the brain involved in executive function. After a month of training, participants showed a 50 percent decrease in their delay discounting rate." (Addicts tend to exhibit "delay discounting", the tendency to devalue far off rewards in favor of instantly rewarding stimuli - like drugs.)

Also from Psychology Today, the article The Hurt Blocker promises new developments in pain treatment. "Groundbreaking research may transform the fight against discomfort. Scientists at SUNY Stony Brook have found a way to 'snip' a specific wire that carries pain signals to the brain. They discovered a molecule that cuts off a sodium ion channel, intercepting electric signals before they reach the brain. Most painkillers, in contrast, affect neurons, reducing the brain's perceptions of hurt, but causing side effects such as impaired judgment and possible dependence. The new painkiller may be available in 2 years."

In the same article, "Meanwhile, a new compound, developed by scientists at the University of Toronto, could combat chronic pain - the kind experienced by AIDS and cancer patients, and those with nerve damage. Chronic pain can result from neuroplasticity, or changes in the brain, that generates abnormal activity in pain-related regions, so that discomfort registers, even in the absence of a specific ailment. Researchers ID'd a natural enzyme that helps form those pain-inducing changes, and, even better, discovered a way to block it."

All very fascinating!

Marie promises "brain food" when we meet, can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next gathering. Katie