Creativity and the Brain

Creativity is one of the most important of human attributes. We use creativity to provide for our biological needs, prolong our life and the lives of people for whom we care, reduce pain and suffering, and bring beauty, meaning and joy to our lives. Although many scholars have investigated ideas and observations about the brain mechanisms that might be important for creativity, the neurobiological basis of creativity still remains a riddle. In Creativity and the Brain, Kenneth Heilman explores the possible brain mechanisms which underlie creativity, by reviewing the existing evidence and putting forward new ideas. On the way, he discusses the relationships between creativity and intelligence, brain anatomy, neuropharmacology, addiction, handedness, sex differences, and mood states such as depression. He also addresses the effects of neurological disorders and aging, as well as the influence of environmental factors such as tolerance and nurturing. The book will be of interest toneuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and educators The engaging and succinct style of this book also make it appealing to students, and researchers from a variety of disciplines who have an interest in understanding the brain mechanisms underlying creativity.

Kenneth M. Heilman is currently the James E. Rooks, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Health Psychology at the University of Florida, and he serves as director of the university's Memory and Cognitive Disorder Clinic and its Alzheimer's Disease Center.