seniors aging gracefully

Sometimes a rare neurological condition can provide a window into understanding brain functioning. Years ago, before everything became politically correct, these folks were called “idiot savants”, Occasionally a TV show will feature an andividual with a developmental disorder or intellectual disability who possesses extraordinary abilities, talents, or knowledge in a specific area. The etiology of this syndrome is complex – it may be congenital or acquired and at times is associated with an autism spectrum disorder. It can also be related to another condition such as brain damage.

An example of this syndrome is Kim Peak who was able to calculate dates for any event hundreds of years into the past or future. She was the instiration behind the movie Rain Man. It should be noted that only 10% with an autism spectrum disorder have this ability. The criteria for diagnosing this is an IQ at or below 70 with genius level abilities in a specific area. These abilities may appear or disappear suddenly. The cause of this very unusual syndrome is often brain injury or damage to the left anterior temporal lobe which results in the right hemisphere compensating for this damage or injury.

People with this syndrome are fascinating not only for their remarkable achievements in the face of adversity but also for their contribution to our understanding of brain functioning.