Compared to what we know about most of our organs, our brain remains a vast, unexplored terrain. The living brain functions within the confines of the hard, protective skull. Accessing the brain with current technology risks inflicting permanent brain damage. Even when scientists obtain brain samples, the samples cannot reveal the pulsing electrical activity within the brain. Comprised of billions of neurons, the brain has been described as the most complex object in the world.
HUMAN BRAINS COMPARED TO BRAINS OF OTHER ANIMALS
In other fields of medicine, physicians can learn about the human body through the study of other animals. However, in the case of the brain, the study of other animals’ brains provides limited information. No other animal speaks, creates art and music, has a sense of history, or is influenced by ethical concepts.
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GROWING PRESSURE TO FIND TREATMENTS FOR BRAIN DISORDERS
Medicine has conquered many infectious diseases and has a growing understanding of cancers and heart disease. The progress in these areas highlights the lack of progress in treating illnesses of the brain. And the growing awareness of brain disorders is making brain research a priority. The focus on the brain is driven in part by the rapid increase of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for which there is no treatment and no cure. For those suffering from mental illness, PTSD, autism, and head trauma, the need to understand the brain and find effective treatments is just as pressing.
For more information on the series and the dates visit the full blog piece at http://whiteoakcottages.com/wbur-launches-a-six-week-series-brain-matters/