The Infant Mind

Library Journal

At birth the human brain has virtually all the neurons it is going to have; however, actual brain tissue doubles by age one and doubles again by age six. Dr. Restak, a neurologist and author of The Brain (the tie-in book with the PBS series of the same name), shows us how brain structure evolves from conception to old age. Using a minimum of technical terms he describes how and when neurons, nerve cells and fibers, synapses, neurotransmitters, and dendrites develop. He also correlates information on biological processes with past and present studies on infant behavior to provide a fascinating and informative account of infant development. Restak ably demonstrates that the fetal and infant brain is not an immature version of the adult brain but a unique and wondrous organ evolving in response to its changing environment. Jodith Janes, University Hospitals of Cleveland Lib.