Debunking top 10 brain myths

Debunking top 10 brain myths

With billions of neurons and nerve pathways, the brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body.
Even after years of research and probing, neurologists and scientists are still unable to fully fathom its capacities and extent of reasoning and emotions. Today, as we celebrate World Mental Health Day, let's take a look at some of the most common myths associated with the human brain and its functions.

We use only 10% of our brains: This myth is probably one of the most well-known and publicized myths of all times. This saying can be linked to popular American psychologist, William James during the 1900s. Although it sounds compelling, it is completely untrue. Neuro-imaging techniques have clearly indicated that for completing a particular task, different portions of the brain have to work in coordination. Until and unless we suffer from brain damage, no particular sector of the brain can become completely non-functioning.

Autism patients have inbuilt talents: This is another popular myth that has resulted from modern television and cinema promotion. Although, such patients may have splendid physical skills, they do not have any form of advanced functional skills.

Schizophrenia means split personality: This mental disorder is characterized by concentration problems, hallucinations, social isolation and rigid posture. However, there are many who confuse this condition with multiple personality disorder. Split personality can also occur at times after extreme trauma.

The brain never changes: As per research, the brain has the remarkable ability to recover from injury and reconfigure itself. Even in cases as traumatic as stroke, brain axons can regenerate and heal. Hence, the notion that brain never changes is a myth as it can adapt to different situations and change or regenerate as per the requirement.

Alcohol kills brain cells: Although it is true that overuse of alcohol may affect brain systems, there is no way that these substances can lead to killing of brain cells or neurons. Even in severe alcoholics, the neurons are never killed. It is only the connecting dendrites that may be affected. However, the rare condition Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by loss of neurons in some parts. But, this is not a direct effect of drinking but rather, a secondary effect due to deficiency of Vitamin B which may occur during excessive consumption of alcohol.

All form of brain damage is permanent: Wrong. The extent and location of brain damage determines whether the effects are reversible or irreversible. While a mild injury can be easily controlled, severe damage may be irreversible and permanent. It doesn't necessarily imply that all brain injury will lead to vegetative states in humans.

Humans have the biggest brain: It is a generalized notion that among all species of animals, humans have the biggest and most advanced brain. A comparative study shows that while an average adult human brain weighs about 3 pounds, a sperm whale's brain is around 17 pounds. Many scientists point out that it is not the brain size but a comparison of the brain size to the body weight that matters. For humans, this ratio is around 1:50 while for other animals, it is around 1:180 or 1:220. Moreover, the portion of brain involved in higher cognitive function also matters. Of all mammals, humans have the largest cerebral cortex which is involved in higher functions like memory and language.

Brain is a uniform mass of tissues: Except for health care professionals, most people believe that the brain is a uniform mass of tissue throughout. This is again a misconception as the entire brain is formed of innumerous specialized cells called glia or neurons. These cells are further organized under specific functional regions of the brain.

Listening to Mozart tunes makes us smarter: Have you ever heard of the "Mozart Effect"? First described by French researcher Alfred Tomatis, this effect was later publicized by a musician Don Campbell. According to the theory, listening to the music can promote healing and development of the brain. The idea became very popular and people began using Mozart CDs to improve the cognitive functioning of their children. But, in reality, can the classical tunes of Mozart create as much excitement inside a human brain as it does in a concert hall? Definitely not! There have been no significant research findings till date to validate this theory and critics have widely rebuked the notion stating it to be nothing but a myth.

Humans have only five senses: There is no doubt that taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch are some of the biggest senses in human beings but they are not the only ones. Humans also have other senses like the sense of balance, sense of position and sense of pain.