The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

photo credit: Khazaei
Can’t see the forest for the tree(s)? You might be a savant in the making. Weak central coherence theory seeks to explain the distinct savant ability to focus on details rather than being distracted by the “big picture“. When you combine the above traits with “overconnectivity” and unbalanced excitatory-inhibitory neural networks, you have all the makings of the savant brain.

While most savants are made, not born, genetic tendencies have a role to play — at least in mice. Genetically engineered mice lacking the ability to synthesize the protein SHANK1 learn at an accelerated rate compared to normal mice. The SHANK1 protein is responsible for building synapses–the junction where all brain communication takes place.

But what if instead of messing with someone’s genetic make-up (we don’t want to be genetically engineering people now do we?), a more convenient method existed to tap into innate savant abilities?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) utilizes rapidly changing magnetic fields to induce electric fields in the brain by electromagnetic induction. No surgery, no electrodes no mess, just a really sophisticated magnet that is able to coax a population of neurons in the neocortex to depolarize and discharge an action potential.

TMS is still under intensive study as a relatively non-invasive way of treating resistant forms of depression, migraine, seizure disorders, tinnitus, ALS and MS to name just a few.

For an intriguing yet fun demonstration, watch how the person in the following video consents to having his speech center “turned off” with careful application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

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