Michael et al. - Actually, I consider myself a debunker wannabe too....(I still
have a long way to go before becoming a debunker supreme).
I'm definitely no expert on this one, but my distinct impression is that
it's far too early to call "use it or lose it" a myth. The famous "nun study"
and several other longitudinal studies point to possible benefits of "cognitive
exercise" and mental activity as protective factors against dementing illness,
although my understanding is that the causal direction here is still somewhat
controversial (people with better cognitive reserves to start with may be more
likely to engage in cognitive exercise). Attempts to control for potential
covariates still point to possible causal effects of cognitive exercise, but
I'm not sure the issue is resolved conclusively.
But I'll refer to TIPsters who are more knowledgeable than me to provide a
better informed response. Cheers...Scott
________________________________
From: michael sylvester [[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 8:02 PM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)
Subject: [tips] Is this a myth?
Everyone that I know seem to agree with the expression "Use it or lose it". But
is this a myth?
Whereas I agree that activities and engagements are good for the brain,are we
to conclude that it will be lost if we do not engage in activities.I guess it
will be difficult to assess because comparison groups will only be of an
ex-post facto caliber.
This reminds me of the latin expression "mens sana in corpore sano" or the
British paradigm of mental discipline which once alleged that studying
tough academic subjects strengthen the mind.
Perhaps Scott-debunker supreme on Tips-and Carol- debunker wannabe -can provide
info as to whether "use it or lose it" can be debunked.
Michael "omnicentric" Sylvester,PhD
Daytona Beach,Florida
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