The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.

Imagine reading an easy to understand book that cures learning disorders. For example, one of the pages mentioned how the brain produces a chemical called BDNF - "brain derived neurotrophic factor" that turns on a part of the brain called the nucleus basilis, the brain area which stores the: "this is very important for you to remember" events in your life. During a critical period BDNF will turn on the part of our brain that allows us to focus attention and will keep it on throughout this critical period. Once turned on, the nucleus basilis helps us pay attention and remember what we experience.    

The human brain produces new stem cells throughout your life until the day you are laid to rest meaning you can learn and reprogram the brain. The chapters in the book consist of Chapter 3 Re-designing the brain, about sharpening perception and memory, increasing the speed of thought and healing learning problems. Chapter 6 Brain lock Unlocked about using plasticity to stop worries, obsessions and bad habits. Chapter 8 Imagination and how thinking makes it so. Imagining an act engages the same motor and sensory programs that are involved with actually doing it. These thoughts change brain structure.  

I have had this read for around a month now. I have learned how to control any obsessive compulsive thoughts running around my head, it is actually easy once you know how. I purchased The Brain that Changes Itself as I have studied dopamine extensively over the years and consider biofeedback a valuable tool in helping understand ourselves. 

A test was done involving a monkey with one arm who had been taught how to move a light by using his mind. The light controlled a robotic arm to pick up things. The computer sent the information to a facility located some 600 miles away where another robotic arm performed the exact same movements. Another involved helping a blind man see for the first time. Phantom pain problems can be cured, fingers learn to move by watching the other hand . . this book proves scientifically that the brain is affected through learning. 

My memory is improving and I have begun helping my wife with her problems as she is also now reading The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.

285 pages plus Notes and References
(total 408 pages + Index)
11 Chapters

Recommended: Yes