Research: Old Dogs Learn New Tricks (2)
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Redundancy suggests that there are a greater than necessary number of neurons in the brain, such
that neurons may die with no reduction in observed behaviour.
For example, we may damage an area of the brain and still show little or no
change in our behaviour.
Plasticity refers to the fact that the brain can change in organisation. For example, an area of the brain
responsible for a particular function may be damaged with the results begin that another area of the brain may take over the functioning of
the damaged area.
In this way, as Reystak points out, neuronal cell loss due to normal ageing may, in fact lead to greater functioning and more
numerous connections in the remaining cells. This suggests that continually ‘using’ the brain (i.e. making more associations) can offset
any naturally occurring loss due to cell death. This ‘use it or lose it’ idea is emphasized by Buzan.
There is a great deal of literature showing the effects of using the brain on the subsequent development of the brain. One
interesting study is rather amusing.
Greenough (cited in Reystak, 1988) trained rats to reach with a particular paw for pieces of chocolate chip
cookies. Later examination of the area of the brain responsible for the motor movement revealed more synaptic connections compared to the brains
of untrained rats.
In a similar study that is quite famous in the literature, Greenough placed one group of rats in an enriched
environment with many toys, while a second group was placed in a barren, impoverished environment. Later tests revealed that the rats in the
enriched environment developed heavier brains with more connections than those in the impoverished environment.
There is also research which suggests that environment plays a critical role in human development.
Schaie (cited in Reystak, 1988) conducted a twenty-year study of 4,000 people and found that elderly people who maintained active social lives outperformed those who led restricted lives. In addition, by providing mental exercises
utilisation spatial, numerical, and verbal skill, Schaie induced over half of a group of elderly volunteers to improve their performances.
Schaie further suggests that memory in the elderly can be improved by
the use of mnemonics.
An interesting study describing the use of mnemonics in the elderly was conducted by Robertson-Tchabo, Hausman, & Arenberg (1982).
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