Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning, is a topic that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years.
Many books have been written on the topic, providing practical tips and strategies on the topic.
In this article, we will take a look at the 5 best neuroplasticity books that will help you understand the brain and how to rewire it.
Best Neuroplasticity Books
1. The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
The Brain that Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge, is a popular science book that explores the concept of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning.
Doidge examines a wide range of case studies, including people who have overcome brain injuries and neurological disorders, to demonstrate the power of neuroplasticity.
He also examines the implications of neuroplasticity for treatment of brain disorders such as stroke, chronic pain, and learning disorders.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that the brain is not fixed and unchanging, as was once believed, but is instead constantly adapting and rewiring itself in response to new experiences and learning.
This means that the brain can recover from injury, and that it is possible to improve cognitive function and treat brain disorders through targeted exercises and interventions.
In addition to describing scientific research, Doidge shares many real-life stories of people who have used neuroplasticity to overcome brain injuries and neurological disorders.
These stories are particularly powerful, and they help to bring the science to life and make it more relatable for the reader.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience. It is an engaging and inspiring read that provides a hopeful message about the brain’s ability to change and improve.
In personal reflection the book has been a great read, it has opened up my perspective on brain, which I used to think is just a fixed organ and cannot be changed.
2. The Mind and the Brain by Jeffrey M. Schwartz
Jeffrey M. Schwartz, a neuroscientist and researcher, explores the relationship between the mind and the brain, and the concept of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning.
The book explains how the brain can be rewired through the process of neuroplasticity and offers an in-depth look into how the brain function in relation to the mind.
The author also presents a 4-Step program which is based on mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy, to help individuals overcome destructive brain patterns, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral and mood disorders.
Schwartz writes in an approachable and comprehensive style – the book is well-researched and provides scientific evidence to support the author’s theories and hypotheses.
He also presents plenty of real-life examples of patients he has worked with, making the material more relatable and practical.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that the power of the mind can change the brain and its function.
The book provides a lot of insights on how to use this power through specific techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices to rewire the brain, which can help individuals overcome mental health disorders and improve well-being.
In personal reflection, the book has been a great read, it has helped me understand how my thoughts and emotions have an impact on my brain, and how to use mindfulness to change my brain function.
I found the practical applications of the 4-Step program to be very insightful and helpful.
3. The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge
Another book by Doidge, which focuses on the use of neuroplasticity-based therapies and techniques for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Doidge presents a variety of case studies and real-life examples, to demonstrate how different brain-based approaches can effectively help heal conditions such as chronic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis, as well as mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The book provides a detailed explanation of the neuroplasticity-based approaches, such as the use of brain-computer interfaces, neurofeedback, and various forms of therapies including neurostimulation, and neuroplastic exercises.
Doidge also explores the possibility of harnessing neuroplasticity for self-development and for enhancing cognitive abilities.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that there are various neuroplasticity-based therapies that can effectively help heal different neurological and psychiatric conditions.
The book also highlights the importance of an individualized approach to treatment, as different brain-based therapies may work better for different people, depending on the specific condition and the person’s unique brain makeup.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Doidge presents the scientific research in a clear and concise manner and provides a hopeful message about the brain’s ability to heal itself through targeted therapies and interventions.
In personal reflection, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in neuroscience, brain injury, or mental health.
I found the case studies and real-life examples particularly interesting (with my physical therapy background) and informative, as they provide a better understanding of how these therapies can be applied in practice.
4. Mindsight by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel
Mindsight is a book by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and a pioneer in the field of interpersonal neurobiology.
The book explores the ability to perceive the internal states of one’s own mind as well as the minds of others.
Through the book, Dr. Siegel delves into the latest research in neuroscience, epigenetics, and developmental psychology, to explain how developing mindsight can lead to personal transformation, emotional well-being and improved relationships.
The book provides an overview of the different aspects of mindsight and how it can be cultivated through mindfulness, meditation, and other practices.
He also explains how mindsight can be applied in different areas of life, such as in therapy, parenting, and teaching, to improve communication and understanding.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that understanding the inner workings of the mind can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can in turn improve relationships and overall well-being.
The book provides practical tools and strategies to develop and apply mindsight to improve the quality of life.
The book is well-written and well-researched, and presents complex scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
Siegel uses a lot of concrete examples and case studies, making the material more relatable and practical.
In personal reflection, Mindsight has helped me understand the importance of self-awareness and the different practices that can be used to develop it.
The book provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at the science behind how we can change the way we think, feel, and relate to others and how those changes can lead to personal growth and better relationships.
I found the practical applications of the concepts to be very insightful and helpful.
5. Livewired by David Eagleman
Livewired explores the latest research in neuroscience, and how it is transforming our understanding of the brain and its capabilities.
The author delves into the workings of the brain at the cellular level, and explains how it processes information, makes decisions, and adapts to changing environments.
The book presents a wide range of current research findings and explores how new technologies and methods, such as brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, and neurofeedback, are being used to study the brain and to develop new treatments for brain disorders and injuries.
Additionally, the book provides an overview of the ethical and societal implications of advances in neuroscience, such as the potential to enhance cognitive function and control brain function and emotions.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience.
It also provides a wealth of information on the latest research in neuroscience and its application to real-life problems, also presented in a clear and concise manner.
In personal reflection, I found Livewired to be an engaging and informative read – it provides an in-depth overview of the current state of neuroscience research and its potential applications in a variety of fields, such as medicine and technology.
Summary
Neuroplasticity is a fascinating topic that has the potential to change the way we understand and approach the brain.
The books reviewed in this article provide a wealth of information on the topic and offer valuable insights on how to harness the brain’s ability to change and adapt.
By reading them, you will gain a deeper understanding of the brain’s capabilities and its potential to change, which will empower you to take control of your health and well-being.
