"That was very impressive to me," says neurobiologist and co-author André Fenton at New York University. He adds that the results have optimistic implications for humans as well—presenting how the brain's ability to grow and adapt could overcome an intense biological insult with purely behavioral training.

As the co-authors detail in Neuron, their finding may be particularly encouraging to researchers and psychiatrists who study schizophrenia. In fact, this particular rat model was developed to explore a possible explanation of the disorder's developmental course—in which an early injury to the brain leads to symptoms expressed in maturity.

Duke University psychologist Richard Keefe, who was not involved in this study, explains that there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that cognitive deficits in schizophrenia precede and may influence psychotic symptoms. "It is a bold notion that we will eventually prevent schizophrenia by combinations of pharmacological behavioral treatments that will help to 'teach' those at risk to avoid the cognitive processes that lead to psychosis, and how to fortify healthy cognitive processes," Keefe says. In addition, the work of Fenton and his colleagues complements ongoing research in schizophrenia that suggests intervening at the earliest signs—when symptoms such as social withdrawal become apparent—could alter the disorder's course.

Given the nebulous nature of schizophrenia and limitations of a rat model, however, a more immediate implication could be the importance of cognitive training in general. The findings make a case for teaching mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. "Experience can change outcomes in really profound ways," Fenton says. "It's best not to do nothing with your brain."

6 Comments

1. 1. alan6302 09:32 PM 8/22/12

   Vit D is extremely important for the brain. That is why Daisy left it out . Another vital nutrient is Iodine . That is why the government deliberately creates deficient levels. Iodized salt is a hoax treatment.

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2. 2. turtle2258 in reply to alan6302 05:42 AM 8/23/12

   There's another article in her about "conspiracy theries". Who gave you the one you're beleiving?

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3. 3. turtle2258 06:05 AM 8/23/12

   Vitamin D is good brain food though. Maybe that's why people feel better in the summer and also get less colds as it is good for immunity too! Fish oil is also excell-ent. And you can't get fish from the sun. But what helps my brain the most it seems is extra B vitamins(all of them B's)

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4. 4. lamorpa in reply to turtle2258 10:41 AM 8/23/12

   turtle2258, alan6302:
   
   You both forgot to prepend "I personally believe..." to the statements you are making that do not have supporting scientific studies (and a study is not a personal anecdotal case of self-observed coincidental behavior - that's covered by the placebo effect). (I'll ignore alan6302's government conspiracy theories; That's a whole other belief system.)

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5. 5. gokuljegarakshagan in reply to turtle2258 02:15 PM 8/26/12

   Anything in moderation is fine, excess vitamins are excreted out.. Gokul Jegarakshagan

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6. 6. bucketofsquid 05:58 PM 8/30/12

   lamorpa wins!

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