The Brain: Working Out the Human Mind

What really goes on inside your head? Under the guidance of Professor Susan Greenfield, one of the world's leading authorities on the workings of the brain and the human mind, The Brain follows the development through the stages of human life: from the beginning in the womb; through the massive intake of data and information during infancy and childhood; on to the emotional explosion of adolescence; through maturity to old age. Written by a team of experts working at the forefront of research into the brain, this book provides a fascinating analysis of how our brains function in all aspects, from the mechanical to the emotional. The book employs the very latest developments in neuroscience, such as brain imaging, to look at the extent to which we are the product of our genes, and at how far we are molded by personal experiences; it explores the unique ability of humans to speak a language; it examines the complex interaction of the brain and the senses; it explores stress and depression, and looks at the effects on the brain of therapeutic and recreational drugs; it explores why we are different to each other; it explores the reasons for different levels of intelligence; and it explains the origins of creativity. The book also looks at how the brain can fail to function, exploring the changes that can result from disease and illness such as brain tumors and schizophrenia. Finally, the book looks at the creation of memory, and in old age, or through accident or illness, the loss of memory; it end with a section on how the wisdom of age can be preserved and enjoyed.