Dr. James P. Comer, Yale University, founder Yale Child Study Center School Development program Education Week, January 2008

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2 Academic learning capacity is primarily an outcome of genetically determined intelligence Despite evidence to the contrary, there is still a pervasive assumption that such intelligence is largely responsible for subject-matter mastery and life success Dr. James P. Comer, Yale University, founder Yale Child Study Center School Development program Education Week, January 2008

3 Initial research in 1950 s involved rodents Enriched environment fosters new brain cell development across the lifespan Includes socialization, physical activity and mental stimulation This neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus

4 Similar findings as animals

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6 A form of Brain Imaging technology

7 Physical activity Mental stimulation Socialization Nutrition Spirituality

8 2 to 4 pounds in weight 60% fat, the fattiest system in the body Consume 25% of blood from each heartbeat Two sides (hemispheres) Left language, detail, analysis Right faces, spatial orientation, sounds Has a cortex and subcortex

9 Cortex conscious learn, remember, communicate, read, write, orient to space, process sensory information, contribute to personality Subcortex process subconscious motor or procedural behaviors like driving a car, dressing, typing, etc. Cortex and subcortex work together Hippocampus sits under each temple and enables you to learn

10 New brain cells (neurons) can be grown our entire life in the hippocampus Neural plasticity highly dynamic, constantly reorganizing, malleable, and shaped by environment Environments passive and rote do not promote brain development Need environments enriched, complex and novel

11 Synaptic density (brain reserve) may help delay Alzheimer s disease and other related dementias

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14 Do not isolate or segregate as we get older Join groups ands social organizations Maintain/build friendships & family networks Be forgiving Develop hobbies Do not retire

15 Walking reduces the risk of dementia Walk between 7,000-12,000 steps a day Dance, garden, knit, paint, etc. Aerobic activity stimulates the heart and feeds the brain. This promotes cognitive functioning and positive structural changes in the brain Use both sides of the brain. Become ambidextrous

16 Learn a second language Read and write daily. Use nondominant hand Learn sign language to increase IQ Play board games Travel involves a new and complex environment Play a musical instrument, listen to classical music Problem solve

17 Praying on a daily basis enhances the immune system Attending a formal place of worship relates to quality of life and longevity Learn to mediate to slow down. Too much stimulation can slow brain development Learn relaxation procedures with deep breathing and muscle relaxation Slow down do not be afraid to say no

18 Eat 80% of what you intend. Caloric restriction can increase longevity Increase intake of Omega 3 fatty acids and walnuts and other unsalted nuts Increase antioxidants Vitamins C and D, colored fruits and vegetables Restrict processed foods and red meat Green leafy vegetables Eat one sit-down meal a day with others

19 Work so that your lifespan and brainspan are equal Relationship to dementia and Alzheimer s Disease

20 VS. DISADVANTAGED, AT-RISK, POVERTY, SINGLE PARENT, etc.

21 Other than the first 3 years of life, dramatic brain changes take place during adolescence Has reached adult size by age 10. But, the structure and function continues changing. The functions of how the brain works are most important. Greater connectedness between parts of the brain occurs. Cross-talk between parts of brain develops reason older teens are better at controlling emotions ( drama ) Prefrontal cortex is pruned during adolescence. The function is sophisticated thinking such as: planning, setting goals, time management, weighing risks and rewards Prefrontal cortex maturation is not complete until mid-20 s

22 Things that feel good feel better during adolescence. A brain substance, dopamine, is responsible for the pleasure During pleasure we get a dopamine squirt. Makes kids want more of what created the pleasure. More dopamine activity in brain during early adolescence than any time of life. Result? Seek rewarding experiences. Very intense for this age group. Plus what makes it fun to be a teen Negative intensity of reward can result in reward tunnel vision. Combination of increasing reasoning ability and pleasure seeking explains seemingly foolish acts

23 It s like starting a car without a skilled driver behind the wheel Cold cognition thinking that does not involve much emotion solving an algebra problem. Brain mature for most by age 16 Hot cognition thinking about excitement, anger, depression, throwing a punch, sex, etc. Not mature until well into the 20 s. Explains why an A in algebra and also doing dumb things occurs Basic abilities memory, attention, logical reasoning- very mature as a 15 year old. Sophisticated cognition thinking ahead, consequences of a decision, balancing risks and rewards, etc. Still developing.

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25 Fixed Mind-Set little change possible Growth Mind-Set develop through effort and education

26 What we can do is take the best features of the American system openness, innovation, immigration, and flexibility and enhance them so that we can create new industries, new technologies, and new jobs. Newsweek ~Fareed Zakaria, 2006