This study is really cool: researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers discovered that adult animals with hearing loss are able to re-route their sense of touch into the parts of the brain that had previously been responsible for hearing. The study found evidence for cross-modal plasticity which is when a damaged sensory system is replaced by another one. In this case, hearing was replaced by touch.
The findings highlight two important concepts:
When we are young children, we actually spend a great deal of time and effort developing our senses, even though we're not really aware of it. When we're older, we tend to take our sensory abilities for granted, assuming they "are what they are."
They're not though. Senses can be trained to do new things and perform better. Usually this happens when someone is forced to adapt when one of their senses is damaged. There is no reason, however, that sensory development and enhancement of senses can only happen after damage or trauma. The brain's plasticity is constant. It's just that we rarely attempt to take advantage of this unless it is necessary.
The 15 Minute Fix: SENSES is designed to take advantage of the brain's plasticity. The exercises are not just for those who are already struggling with one or more of their senses. The hearing, smell, taste, and touch exercises in the book will benefit anyone looking to keep their body and mind in top shape for many years to come.
Age well my friends!
The findings highlight two important concepts:
- The brain is able to re-wire itself throughout adulthood, and
- Our senses are deeply inter-related in way that we are just beginning to understand.
When we are young children, we actually spend a great deal of time and effort developing our senses, even though we're not really aware of it. When we're older, we tend to take our sensory abilities for granted, assuming they "are what they are."
They're not though. Senses can be trained to do new things and perform better. Usually this happens when someone is forced to adapt when one of their senses is damaged. There is no reason, however, that sensory development and enhancement of senses can only happen after damage or trauma. The brain's plasticity is constant. It's just that we rarely attempt to take advantage of this unless it is necessary.
The 15 Minute Fix: SENSES is designed to take advantage of the brain's plasticity. The exercises are not just for those who are already struggling with one or more of their senses. The hearing, smell, taste, and touch exercises in the book will benefit anyone looking to keep their body and mind in top shape for many years to come.
Age well my friends!
