BrainHQ Academy - A Whole New World: How the brain adapts to change

About this Video

• Video Title: BrainHQ Academy - A Whole NewWorld: How the brain adapts to change
• Channel: BrainHQ
• Speakers: Margie, Dr. Mike Merick
• Duration: 01:08:46

Introduction

This webinar explores the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to change throughout life, a concept known as plasticity. Dr. Mike Merick, Chief Scientific Officer at Posit Science and Professor Emeritus at UC San Francisco, discusses how this plasticity impacts various aspects of human life, from personal growth to the prevention and treatment of neurological and psychiatric illnesses. The presentation also delves into how modern cultural and technological changes influence brain health, both positively and negatively.

Key Takeaways

• The brain's plasticity: The brain is not hardwired but constantly remodels itself throughout life, adapting to new challenges and experiences. This continuous change underlies our abilities, shapes our personalities, and influences our behavior.
• Impact on various fields: Our understanding of brain plasticity has revolutionized fields like philosophy, psychology, medicine, and criminal justice. It offers new perspectives on human nature, behavior, disease origins, and treatment strategies.
• Brain health medicine: The concept of brain plasticity has led to the development of brain health medicine, focusing on maintaining a healthy brain throughout life.
• Positive and negative impacts of change: Modern cultural and technological advancements present both positive (e.g., increased access to information) and negative (e.g., excessive screen time, passive information consumption) impacts on brain health.
• Reversibility of brain changes: Negative changes in the brain due to aging or stress are reversible through appropriate brain training. This training can improve various aspects of brain function, including speed, attention, and memory.