The real story of how our brains and nervous systems change throughout our lifetimes—with or without “brain training.”

Fifty years ago, neuroscientists thought that a mature brain was fixed like a fly in amber, unable to change. Today, we know that our brains and nervous systems change throughout our lifetimes. This concept of neuroplasticity has captured the imagination of a public eager for self-improvement—and has inspired countless Internet entrepreneurs who peddle dubious “brain training” games and apps. In this book, Moheb Costandi offers a concise and engaging overview of neuroplasticity for the general reader, describing how our brains change continuously in response to our actions and experiences.

Costandi discusses key experimental findings, and describes how our thinking about the brain has evolved over time. He explains how the brain changes during development, and the “synaptic pruning” that takes place before brain maturity. He shows that adult brains can grow new cells (citing, among many other studies, research showing that sexually mature male canaries learn a new song every year). He describes the kind of brain training that can bring about improvement in brain function. It’s not gadgets and games that promise to “rewire your brain” but such sustained cognitive tasks as learning a musical instrument or a new language. He tells how brains compensate after stroke or injury; describes addiction and pain as maladaptive forms of neuroplasticity; and considers brain changes that accompany childhood, adolescence, parenthood, and aging.

Each of our brains is custom-built. Neuroplasticity is at the heart of what makes us human.

About the Author

Moheb Costandi writes the Neurophilosophy blog for The Guardian and is the author of 50 Human Brain Ideas You Really Need to Know.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are a division of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. When you buy from Goodwill Books not only will you feel happy about the money you save, you'll feel good knowing your purchase helps Goodwill provide vocational opportunities to people with barriers to employment. For more information please visit our website: www.goodwillbooks.com

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Goodwill Books
2920 SE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books subject to prior sale. Books shipped via USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail. Extra postage required for heavy books and sets unless otherwise noted. Payment in U.S. dollars via VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER. Sorry, we do not accept checks or money orders. Purchases may be returned within 14 days of receipt for refund; refund will be initiated upon receipt of returned book.

Goodwill Books
2920 SE Century Blvd
Hillsboro, OR 97123
gicwbook@gicw.org

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 7.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.