Before neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, was discovered, early psychologists, psychiatrists, and educational professionals were baffled by the existence of learning disabilities such as auditory processing disorder (APD), dyslexia and ADHD. For many years, such conditions were not even sufficiently understood to be able to give them a name, much less recommend a successful course of treatment. However, over the years, enough knowledge about neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity) has been gained to where such disorders can now be diagnosed and treated.
The Discovery Of Neuroplasticity
One of the greatest breakthroughs of the late 20th century was the discovery of neuroplasticity. This vital achievement was finally realized in the 1970’s, when three scientists named Hubel, Weisel, and Merzenich discovered that the human brain possessed not only the capacity to change the pattern of its functions, but also its very structure, through a course of consciously directed training. Dr. Merzenich is one of the founders of Scientific Learning, the company that developed the renowned Fast Forword software.
Needless to say, the discovery of neuroplasticity provoked a firestorm of controversy. To this day, the controversy over the precise definition of the term, as well as whether it has any real relevance to the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders as dyslexia and inattentive ADD, continue to rage throughout academia and the medical profession at large.
Uncovering The Proof Of Neuroplasticity
However, in the 1990’s, the existence of neuroplasticity was finally confirmed, once and for all. The invention of FMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imagining) technology was used to pinpoint proven instances of the brain changing in response to new techniques of dyslexia treatment. The results showed that the pattern of brain activity altered radically, with new pathways created amidst a burst of positive activity, after being exercised during the course of these new treatments.
What The Discovery Of Neuroplasticity Means To You
If you or someone you love is suffering from APD, dyslexia, or other learning difficulties, the discovery of neuroplasticity offers clear proof that there is hope for positive change. It means that the window for brain growth and the acquiring of reading and comprehension skills does not close for you when you are still in your formative years. On the contrary, as long as you are alive, the potential for your brain to grow and acquire new working memory skills is always there.
Your Brain Is Constantly Learning And Changing
The fact of the matter is that your brain is constantly trying to change for the better. And when it succeeds, it changes in a very real, very material, and very demonstrable fashion. This is what the FMRI scans proved. However, how your brain achieves this feat, and how you can render the results of these positive changes permanent, is a whole other matter altogether.
Positive Results From Brain Training Games
A new round of positive results has been achieved from specially designed brain training exercises, commonly disguised as enjoyable video games. These special brain training games are targeted at individuals of all ages, and need not be thought of as “just for kids.” These scientifically formulated brain training games have been shown to increase the speed of learning comprehension and stimulated long term memory retention.
This special software is designed to perform a number of vitally important functions, from improving sound processing and phonemic awareness to improving the recipient’s vocabulary, spelling, and general literacy, reading comprehension, and memory retention skills.
The Discovery Of Neuroplasticity Has Led To Positive Developments
These specially formulated programs have improved the lives of countless people, and continue to play a very important part in diagnosing and treating auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, and other related learning difficulties. Thanks to the discovery and proof of the existence of neuroplasticity, options for treatment have been developed that promise a bright and productive future for individuals with learning disorders all over the world.
Gemm Learning is one excellent resource on the web to learn more about how brain training can target the underlying causes of learning difficulties. You might also wish to join the conversation by visiting the official Gemm Learning Facebook page.