CBS News, TIME Partner For Brain Series

(CBS)  Can new brain cells be created? Can memory loss be reversed? Is it possible that a woman in a vegetative state for more than 20 years could actually have heard during that time?

As 21st century science and technology open the brain to exploration as never before, once accepted truths are now being challenged. "A User's Guide to the Brain," A five-part CBS News series produced in conjunction with Time magazine, gives a first-hand look at the fascinating and radical new discoveries surrounding one of the human body's most extraordinary and mysterious organs – the brain.

The series ran in conjunction with Time.com's in-depth reporting on the subject. Time hit newsstands on Friday, Jan. 19.

In his first report for the broadcast, CBS Evening News contributor Dr. Sanjay Gupta examined the revolutionary new field of neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to reorganize itself by creating new brain cells through mental and physical exercises.

The Early Show National Correspondent Tracy Smith followed up on the story of Sarah Scantlin, a woman who was in a vegetative state for 20 years and then miraculously began to speak in 2005. While she was unable to speak or voluntarily move her limbs during those two decades, doctors now believe she may have actually heard what was going on around her.

CBS Evening News Technology Correspondent Daniel Sieberg explained how new cutting-edge technology is allowing blind people to "see" using their tongues.

CBS News correspondent Richard Roth revealed the latest details from an ongoing study on how babies make sense of the world around them in a report on The Early Show.

Finally, the CBS Evening News provided an in-depth report on how chronic stress affects the brain, including research that says prolonged psychological stress can actually wear down the ends of a person's DNA.

CBS Radio News featured an interview with Steven Pinker, a distinguished Harvard professor and author of the Time magazine essay on the mysteries of consciousness.

CBSNews.com has on-demand video clips of all segments, as well as extended interviews not seen on television.

[aceheart1]

A good way to stay mentally fit is to join a Brain Gym like Agogus.com.

[spledteacher]

I was really surprised to hear that you are using the title of your "User's Guide to the Brain" and not giving credit to John J. Ratey, MD who wrote A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain.
Please see:
http://www.johnratey.com/
Please give him the credit he is due.

[scottiemac52]

For berdellb,

You don't say what diagnosis you were given. There are many reasons for a loss of recognition other than Alzheimers including vascular dementia (a series of tiny strokes in the brain), subdural hematoma, system lupus erythematosis, brain tumor, MS, head injury, etc. You can do everything right and life can still go disastrously wrong. There are few black and white answers in medicine, nor in life. You are grieving the man you have "lost" - even though you can still see and speak to him, he can't do the same. Lack of family history of an illness or disease does not protect anyone from developing something. If you haven't already done so, please contact a local caregivers' support group; they have been where you are, and will be there for you if and when you ask.

[berdellb]

My 68 year old husband was a very smart man. He worked crossword puzzles all the time as well as other "brain puzzles". He was very well read. I never had to look up anything, he could tell me. He has a room full of books, but he knew if he had one that was in the bookstore. There is no family history of dementia of any type in his family. We exercised and tried to eat healthy. All this stuff that is being said is a lot of crock. If good diet, exercise, keeping your mind busy by reading and crosswords, etc., then why is he in a nursing home needing total care. He does not know me. Just say "We don't know." cause you don't.

[sriddle53]

There is one brain injury that never seems to get discussed. It impacts a lot of Americans, and is devastating to their lives and to the lives of their families. It is Aphasia, and it is most often caused by a stroke. It can partially or completely destroy a person's ability to speak and understand others. It would be wonderful if CBS would run a segment on Aphasia. Persons suffering with Aphasia find themselves isolated from the rest of the world due to inability to communicate. If the rest of the public were better informed about Aphasia they might make a better effort at trying to communicate with those who suffer from Aphasia rather than just giving up on these people and walking away from them. It is a heartbreaking thing to live with for the patient and for their family. Greater public education would go far in helping the situation.

[camme-2009]

My son was in a nearly fatal car accident just short of 4 years ago. I didn't know at the time but, the first hospital he was taken to wanted to declare him brain dead. The doctors refused to give us a positive outlook, stating he will never be the same, never drive, never work. Finally, three years later, I spoke with the gentleman who has brought us bio-feedback. He spoke to my son (rather then me) explaining how the brain recovers, slowly albeit, but reminding him he is young and strong and obviously determined! Yeah! Someone with a positive attitude! And not giving false hope. As of today he is still unable to speak but communicates with sign. His food has to be pureed but even that is improving. It is small steps but steps all the same. He laughs out loud and somehow manages to keep a positive attitude. He knows this is his job right now. To struggle walking, eating, communicating and he works his therapist till they tell him, it's time to rest!
If he hasn't given up, how can we? We are his advocates and we, as his family and loved ones, must be diligent and ask questions, push the envelope gently, keep the faith and never assume recovery is impossible. Yes my son will never be the same, yet he is.

[carriep8]

Cognitive training can increase neuroplasticity - even in adults. The blog www.sharpbrains.com/blog shows the research about "brain fitness".

[dkmellon]

Three years ago my daughter took Avelox and had an allergic reaction to it. She has severe brain damage. She has come along way since this all happened, but would like to find someone that could give me more information about her. There isn't anyone in our area that has ever had a case like hers. I'm willing to travel to see anyone that will see her. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciative.
Thank you Doris Mellon