Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
Ep38 "Why is it hard to teach an old brain new tricks?"
Dec 11, 2023
This podcast explores the surprises of brain plasticity, from the trade-off between adaptability and efficiency, to the influence of sensitive periods on language acquisition. It also discusses the variability of the brain and the possibility of unlocking its plasticity at any age.
55:44
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Quick takeaways
- Younger brains have higher levels of plasticity, allowing for easier modification and neural reconfiguration.
- The brain has sensitive periods during which it is highly flexible and open to learning specific skills or acquiring certain knowledge, but this plasticity decreases with age.
Deep dives
Brain Plasticity and the Flexibility of Young Brains
Young brains have high levels of plasticity, allowing them to modify themselves and rewrite circuitry more easily. This is seen in the example of soldiers sustaining head injuries, where younger soldiers had better outcomes due to their more flexible brains. The brain is compared to the map of Europe, where borders between countries can evolve in many ways. However, with time, the maps become settled into place, just like the brain solidifies. The brain's plasticity decreases with age, but it still remains present in adulthood, allowing for learning, skill acquisition, and neural reconfiguration.
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