Memory Works Website & youtube

Find the website listed below about neuroplasticity.
http://www.memoryzine.com/neuroplasticity.htm

And then read my comments.

It seems that neuro-scientists are on the edge of learning about the capacity of our brains to create new pathways (neuroplasticity) to aid in activities that range from sports to developing a high level of compassion. So it seems that social workers and anyone who works in professions with people may be drastically changing approaches and practices with this new understanding.

What is overwhelming to consider is the possibility of the degree of changes in approaches working with people who have "traumatic injury, stroke, age-related cognitive decline, or any number of degenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cerebral palsy, among many others). Plasticity also offers hope to people suffering from cognitive disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, and Down Syndrome; it may possibly lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of depression, anorexia, and other behavioral and emotional disorders as well. Some scientists have even ventured to suggest that, one day, neuroplasticity could be used in short-circuiting the brain’s racist, sexist, or otherwise culturally unacceptable thinking patterns; even the body’s ability to perform intricate sequences of activities necessary for sports and other highly complex physical processes might eventually be perfected through the power of neuroplasticity"( http://www.memoryzine.com/neuroplasticity.htm).

In my class this week, my professor at Humboldt State University (Michael Yellow Bird) had us use some of his knowledge about opening neuro-pathways by doing simple exercises that helped us to stay engaged and make strong connections, (or wake up), engaging both sides of our brain. So it seems essential to take time out on a regular basis to actively train our brains to enhance brain functioning even in every day life. According to the web-site listed above, scientists once thought about the brains ability to create new brain cells stopped at age 3 or 4 now it is believed that we have the capacity to do this into the latest stages of life-age 70 and beyond! The old saying can't teach a old dog new tricks is now a big lie.

Buddhists have been working with scientists for some time researching the brains plasticity and findings show that the brains ability to transform through meditation is significant.

If your interested, more information is available at these youtube sites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFbm3jL7CDI&feature=PlayList&p=8A044B2F88677F08&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkXtz72hjDI&feature=related

I plan on working with disadvantaged students at the college level when I graduate and will be thinking and learning how I can use research on neuroplasticity to find practical ways to teach students how to use this information to their advantage and when working with individuals and out in their community.