Brain Science History


The study of the brain has been evolving for decades, and the rate of new studies and discoveries has been rapidly increasing. There has been more research studies performed in the past decade than in the prior fifty years, largely due to the amazing capability of brain imaging.

Here's a quick brain science history lesson:


1880s-1940s Study of Memory Begins

  • 1885: Discovery of the rate of forgetfulness naturally occurs
  • 1890: Existence of short-term ‘working’ memory
  • 1894: Memories are formed by strengthening connections between existing neurons
  • 1907: Alzheimer's Disease formally understood and named
  • 1932: Recalled memory isn't a copy of the original event but a reconstruction based on key details
  • 1934: Electrical Stimulation triggers a flood of memories

1950s-1990s Scientific Understanding Expands

  • 26,000 Scientific Articles in 50 years
  • 1950: Memory not stored in a single brain location
  • 1956: Short term memory can store approx 7 items at a time
  • 1957: Hippocampus crucial to forming new memories
  • 1986: Folic Acid, positive attitude and complex language use may stave off dementia

2000s Brain Imaging exposes more information

  • 26,000 Scientific Articles in 8 years
  • 2002: ACTIVE study finds training memory skills improves functioning
  • 2004: Former President Ronald Reagan dies after 10 year bout with Alzheimer's Disease
  • 2005: Childhood emotional stress can impair adult memory ability
  • 2006: A single brief memory is processed engages at least 3 parts of the brain
  • 2007: IMPACT Study shows brain training for older adults can improve memory ability
  • 2008: Middle aged people with excess belly fat have higher risk of dementia

2000s HAPPYneuron Participates in Cognitive Research

  • 2006: MEMORY STIMULATION. WHICH SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS? WHICH EXERCISES?
  • 2007: Online Cognitive Training Improves Cognitive Performance
  • 2007: Significant Brain Activity Improvement
  • 2008: Cognitive Training Improves Driving Skills

Details of these studies and more can be found here: Brain Science Research