The Brain that Changes Itself

Outline

The Brain that Changes Itself (2007) introduced millions of readers to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and change throughout life. Norman Doidge shares remarkable stories of scientists and patients, including people who recovered from strokes, overcame learning difficulties, and regained lost abilities. The book challenges the old belief that the adult brain cannot change and shows new possibilities for healing and learning.

• Neuroplasticity means the brain can rewire itself and keep changing throughout life, not only in childhood.
• The old belief that the adult brain cannot change is challenged by the stories Norman Doidge shares.
• Some people recovered from strokes and regained abilities they had lost, showing the brain's capacity to heal.
• People with learning difficulties have overcome them, which suggests that learning limits are not always fixed.
• The book shows scientists and patients working together to open new possibilities for healing, learning and reshaping habits.

Norman Doidge is a Canadian psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, researcher, and author. He has been on the faculty of the University of Toronto and Columbia University. His books on neuroplasticity, The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain’s Way of Healing, became international bestsellers and have been translated into many languages.