Scientists have long been aware of a paradox of neurodegenerative disease – that as the brain deteriorates, in some patients creativity flourishes.

Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

They’ve found that the shutting down of specific connections related to inhibition boosts creativity.

Guest/s

• Dr Isaiah Kletenik, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and neurologist at Brigham & Women's Hospital

References

• Mapping Neuroimaging Findings of Creativity and Brain Disease Onto a Common Brain Circuit