Mental plasticity describes people's ability to change. If you thought you were stuck with the mental abilities and the brain you were born with, think again! A new scientific discovery called Neuroplasticity, is overthrowing the old theory that the brain is an unchangeable and fixed circuit, that cannot be recovered or repaired if wiped out. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The brain has enormous power to rejuvenate itself, and functions more like a big muscle that grows and change itself with proper nourishment and exercise.

Using logic defying personal stories, the Psychiatrist and Researcher, Dr Norman Doidge explains in this interview, that the damaged brain can indeed reorganise itself so that when one part fails, another can often substitute, that if brain cells die they can at times be replaced, that many "circuits" or basic reflexes that we think are hardwired, are not.

The development of Michelle Mack, who was born in 1973, with only the right hemisphere in her brain, the hemisphere that process non-verbal communication, is a great testimony that our "mental machinery" can always be improved. Neuroplasticity has allowed her to achieve massive brain reorganisation, and her right hemisphere carries out the key functions out of the left hemisphere. She speaks, writes and has extraordinary calculating skills.

More moving case studies at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3TQopnNXBU