Citation

Merzenich MM. Eye Auto 2009; 2009: 12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Recent scientific studies provide us with an increasingly clear under- standing of the neurological processes that underlie the acquisition of human skills and abilities, and that contribute to progressive behavioral impairment – for example, typically accompanying normal aging. Studies have shown that the brain is "plastic" throughout life; the machinery of the brain is modified – specialized – each time we acquire a new skill. Underlying neurological processes are, by their nature, reversible. In any individual, at any age, it is relatively easy to drive either positive or negative changes in the brain that contribute to either the improvement or the degradation of any specific ability.

These processes contribute richly to any practical human endeavor – for example, to the fundamental skills and ability that contribute to competent driving. This science informs us about potentially more effective strategies for training young drivers to establish acceptably high initial competencies, and for training drivers impaired by age or medical indications to effectively and quickly restore and maintain acceptable ability levels. Practical strategies for applying this science to assure greater driver competence and safety shall be discussed.