Our Hardwired Brains 

Why is it that a Norwegian teenager Magnus Carlsen can play ten chess games in his head without looking at any of the chess boards? Does Carlsen have the same hardware and circuitry in his brain that we do? Probably not.

An analysis of Einstein’s brain found that he had hundreds of times the normal rate of glial cells, allowing him to make associations to create mathematical concepts and principles. Did his parents teach him his brilliance? No, they didn’t. 

We come into this world pre-programmed with software that is genetic, yet not always the same as mom and dad’s. We create our own microenvironment with our unique combination of DNA.

Experts agree that language, character and personality are formed by age five to six. Parents influence by demonstrating values and setting boundaries, but teaching and lectures have little impact beyond the teens. In fact, adolescent research finds that praise and positive support make the most difference in a growing teenager.

Our Plastic Brains 

Have you seen ads for products offering to improve your brain health and performance, or enhance memory and attention with a personalized program that tracks changes in brain performance? 

Neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to “rewire and repair” itself, is a hot topic. Scientists at the Center for BrainHealth in Dallas are challenging long-held premises about the brain as a static, hardwired organ, and exploring ways to make changes in how we use our mental hardware. Their objectives are to develop new neural connections that allow people to be more able, competent, and facile in attention, memory, thinking, and recovery from injury and debilitation. change the brain’s functions in the face of disease or decline

So far, the research suggests they are partly right. There is a part of the brain that can be used to focus on and create new habits, but it isn’t easy. Genetics (nature), which governs behavior, can often be activated by opportunities in our environment. Neuroplasticity (nurture) relies on the practice of mental disciplines. 

Working on any new task that requires concentration and focus for periods of time can help your working memory and attention. Researchers found that doing Google searches over the course of a few days increased working memory and expanded some areas of the brain. However, those same areas returned to the level of skill at which they began shortly after the activity concluded. So, something learned quickly can be lost just as quickly. 

You can expand your skills and language base through disciplined training by paying attention to new things. But this is not the same as changing the fundamental way your brain works.