Researchers bring us two perspectives on enhancing intelligence. Neuroplasticity can be influenced in a positive direction to improve brain power!”
In animal research Marian Diamond described what rats did to enhance their brain power by being active in an enriched environment. Watching from a neighboring cage did not give rats better brain power. Activity was essential.”
Then when they held and talked to her rats, their lifespan increased 50% to the equivalent of 90 years of human age. Throughout this period of enrichment with added positive psychology, her rats continued to show improvements in brain chemistry, architecture and performance. Thus, Marian Diamond found that, even to the equivalent of 90 years of human age, her rats enjoyed vigorous longevity while they were “Enriching Heredity.” She believed that humans could earn these same benefits of increasing brain power, of “enriching heredity.” Watch Marian Diamond’s YouTube video, “Older Brains, New Connections” for her brilliant presentation on this topic.
In human research James Flynn found that we are making massive IQ gains from one generation to another. This has been documented in over thirty countries around the world. Flynn is not saying we’re born with better brains but that we are developing brain power that makes it possible for us to deal with an increasingly complex modern world that includes working with problems of economic development.
Taken together, the research of Diamond and Flynn suggests:
That taking an active role in solving environmental challenges can help build better brain power AND
That tender touch and talk could significantly increase the probability that you can “enrich heredity” for a brain-span that exceeds your lifespan.
Brain Power 2020 blogs will explore ways we can influence neuroplasticity to build better brain power.