Tell me more ×
Skeptics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for scientific skepticism. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 11 down vote favorite
2

You find this advice all over the web: Use your non-dominant hand to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth because it will make new brain cells grow.

On the other hand, it is suggested that it is potentially harmful to retrain left handed people to write with the right hand.

So, is there any evidence to support the first claim, i.e., that engaging the off-hand more in minor tasks fosters growth of brain cells?

EDIT: Some sources for where this claim is made:

I cannot further substantiate what "keeping your brain active" means because the sources I give also don't really substantiate it. But maybe there is some scientific research that is more specific.

share|improve this question
2  
Can you please add sources of the claim? Also, who says that neurogenesis is necessary to keep the brain "active"? And what does "keep the brain active" exactly mean? – nico Apr 2 '12 at 15:17
Well, if that's a minor daily task for you... – Lagerbaer May 6 '12 at 2:34
I can't answer directly, but I can raise a concern. I have heard these same claims, and without examining them too carefully I have come away with the thesis that doing things outside the biophysical comfort zone is supposed to cause the brain to grow new neural connections. The immediate conclusion people draw is that this is good. The brain is often pictured as a single entity that, like for example the bicep muscle, is either waxing or waning, growing or dying. But the brain is a complex multi-layered system, that is a single entity only in the same sense that Grand Central Station is. Addi – user7120 May 16 '12 at 3:13

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.