It’s possible that therapies such as external brain stimulation and neurofeedback, as well as some drugs, may one day boost brain flexibility. A new line of research suggests flexibility is important for learning, Laura Sanders reported in “Learning takes brain acrobatics” (SN: 9/16/17, p. 22).
Online reader Glenn wondered if drugs for Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease that help with movement problems could also remedy learning difficulties that accompany these conditions.
“Currently, there are no drugs that can stop or reverse the neural damage from either disease, though some drugs help with symptoms,” Sanders says. “But scientists are studying whether the Parkinson’s drug levodopa, which can ease movement symptoms, can also influence brain functions such as memory, quick thinking and learning.”