The New Brain: How the Modern Age is Rewriting Your Brain, by Richard Restak (Rodale, 2003) [Main Stacks] QP355.2.R47 2004

If readers take nothing more from this book than the hope and awareness that the human brain is more capable of growing, developing and changing than thought possible, then they will have gained valuable understanding of this most powerful human characteristic. However, readers are also likely to come to understand the power of modern forces on the restructuring of the brain, which may sometimes not be to the best advantage. Describing the work of neuroscientists and technology now available to view the workings of the brain may not sound like light reading, but Richard Restak, a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and author of Mozart’s Brain, has placed the scientific jargon and explanations in real-life examples using an engaging writing style. The information he provides is not meant as a self-help book but readers will quickly identify with their own circumstances or those of people they know (such as students), and find themselves thinking of practical ways to apply what Restak offers.

For example, Restak describes how the brain works in those who have been described as having extraordinary talents or abilities and asks the reader to consider the role of nurture and nature in a new way. He notes that with imaging technology, neuroscientists have gained insight into the fact that a great deal of the work of star athletes and others who perform at high levels can be attributed to the way they cognitively perform and to the concentration and mental routines they develop.

Restak also writes about a topic to which most people will relate; the multiple demands in this modern age on focus and attention. He describes how the demands to quickly change focus and attention has caused visible organizational changes in the brain. Consequently, he sees these demands and re-organization of the brain as becoming the norm and almost a requirement for survival in the modern age. This can have ramifications for teaching and learning at the college level. An AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) expert Paul Wender, is quoted by Restak as stating: “The attention span of the average adult is greatly exaggerated.” Also, Sam Horn an author who has written about the modern demands on focus and attention on young people is quoted as saying, “For these people silence can actually be disconcerting because it’s so unusual.” Restak suggests that AD/HD may not be so much of a disorder but rather a cognitive style. Presumably, given the right environment, people with this cognitive style would be at an advantage and not a disadvantage. Restak continues with an interesting discussion about the influences on the brain of modern technology that have allowed for ‘multi-tasking’ of a magnitude unimaginable a generation ago, critiquing the pros and cons of this phenomenon.

The descriptions of how the brain is able to restructure and heal from strokes or other injuries is fascinating and would offer readers great hope if they are dealing with loved ones who have had brain injury. Other topics that will be of interest to most readers are the modern uses of psychopharmacology and the plasticity of the aging brain. On the topic of drug use as treatment for neuropsychiatric diseases, Restak explains genetic research but just as the reader is about to be confused, he makes an analogy to the human genome and his attempt at assembly his outdoor grill! Readers will be surprised with the expanse of information in this little book of less than 250 pages. Equally surprising will be how easy it is to understand thanks to the author’s engaging style and real-life examples. I believe readers will quickly be able to apply the insights and explanations of the wonders and workings of the human brain that Restak offers to their own circumstances. They may even put it on their list of things to read more about. I know I have.

Linda Stedje-Larson

Updated August 14, 2008