The Documentary 'The Brain That Changes Itself'

The documentary “The Brain That Changes Itself” explores the brains ability to form new neural connections; otherwise known as neuroplasticity. For four centuries, it was believed that the brain could not change. This meant that if one was born with a learning disability, there would be nothing they could do to correct it. However, various research studies have come to prove that the brain can in fact change itself. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire and form new, more effective pathways. According to Dr. Norman Doidge, with neuroplasticity comes the plastic paradox. This concept states that the same plasticity that allows our brains to change and produce more flexible behaviours, is also the source of our rigid behaviours. This means that anything that involves unvaried activity can lead to rigidity. Overall, neuroplasticity is an intrinsic part of the brain; it is neither good nor bad, it’s just the way it is.

All of these people had different disabilities, but their cases showed the plasticity of the brain: Cheryl constantly wobbled yet she found balance, Barbra overcame her learning disability and proceeded to help others do so as well, Sueann was able to overcome chemo brain through Merzenich’s games, Michael regained mobility after a stroke left him unable to move half of his body, Derek’s case of phantom limb illustrated that our brain compensates for sensory loss, and Michelle’s lacked the left hemisphere of her brain but her right hemisphere took over allowing her to function on a normal level. All of this goes to show that the brain is more resilient than ever imaged creating hope for people with neurological