Brain Training – What Use New Neurons?
Tracey J. Shors
In a fascinating article in Scientific American’s Mind section Tracey J. Shors, a professor in the department of psychology and the Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University, explains how new brain cells typically die off unless the brain is stimulated to put them to use. Shors and fellow scientists found that demanding and challenging cognitive tasks engage the brain in such a way that it assimilates the new brain cells, strengthening problem solving ability.
“Presumably the added cells, once they mature, are used to fine-tune or boost problem-solving skills that already exist.”
Shors introduces the subject with a paragraph supporting brain training.
I like scientific findings that concur with what one would think should sensibly happen — i.e., the finding that taxing the brain will strengthen cognition seems evolutionarily right.
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