An introduction to “neuroplasticity”: You really don’t have to be stuck with the brain you have …

If you’ve read or watched television, podcast, or video programs about the human brain, you may have heard of Dr. Daniel Amen, a pioneer in brain health and brain imaging research, and a double board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Amen has several sayings he’s noted for, chief among them is that “you don’t have to be stuck with the brain you have.”

What he means is that, with good brain health practices and adopting a lifestyle that nurtures ongoing brain health, your brain can change, it can improve!

A key contributor to this ability to change your brain so you can change your life is a concept called “neuroplasticity.” The term “plasticity” was first applied to behavior by William James in his work The Principles of Psychology. He described it as a structure that is “weak enough to yield to an influence, but strong enough not to yield all at once.” James proposed that the brain and its functions were not fixed throughout adulthood, but this idea was largely neglected at the time.

Up until the 1970s, neuroscientists believed that the brain’s structure and function remained fixed throughout adulthood. However, research in the latter half of the 20th century (and on into the 21st century and continuing today) revealed that many aspects of the brain can be altered even through adulthood. While the developing brain exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brain, activity-dependent plasticity has significant implications for healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage.

NEUROPLASTICITY
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s remarkable capacity to change and adapt throughout life in response to various experiences; it’s the brain’s ability to reorganize, grow, and rewire its neural networks. It involves creating new neurons (brain cells) and building fresh connections within the brain.

You can correctly think of neuroplasticity as your brain’s built-in “rewiring” system. Imagine neurons as tiny wires with connections called synapses. When you learn something new, these connections strengthen, forming new pathways. Conversely, unused ones weaken and fade. This constant rewiring allows your brain to recover from injury, form memories, and even develop new skills, no matter your age. It’s like your brain constantly reshapes itself based on your experiences, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving organ.

INSIGHTS
Here are some key insights about neuroplasticity:

It’s ongoing: This isn’t just a childhood thing. Your brain has the potential to change at any age, though the process might slow down slightly as we get older. While the brain exhibits plasticity throughout life, there are critical periods, especially during development (the first 25 years of life in females, the first 28 years in males), when the brain is particularly adaptable. During these periods, experiences have a profound impact on shaping neural circuits.

It’s driven by experience: Scientists sometimes refer to neuroplasticity as the structural remodeling of the brain. It involves creating new connections (synapses) and weakening existing ones. Whether you’re learning a new language, playing an instrument, or simply engaging in stimulating conversations, these experiences can create new connections and strengthen or reorganize existing ones in your brain.

Beyond structural remodeling is neurogenesis: Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis go hand in hand. Neurogenesis refers to the creation of new brain cells. Contrary to earlier beliefs, certain brain regions (such as the hippocampus) can generate new neurons even in adulthood.

Functional changes: It is not only about structural remodeling but also functional changes. Neurons can alter their patterns of activity in response to experience, leading to changes in the strength and efficiency of neural connections.

It’s not just about growth: Neuroplasticity also involves pruning. Unused connections can weaken and fade away, which allows the brain to focus its resources on what’s important.

It’s crucial for learning and memory: New information is encoded in the brain by forming new connections and modifying existing ones. Neuroplasticity allows this to happen, making it essential for learning and forming memories.

Environmental influence: The environment, including lifestyle, experiences, and external stimuli, significantly influences neuroplasticity. Enriched environments with diverse stimuli can promote more robust neural connections.

It can help after injury: The brain’s ability to rewire itself can be harnessed to recover from damage or illness. This is the basis for rehabilitation therapies that help people regain lost functions.

It’s not a magic bullet: While powerful, neuroplasticity isn’t a cure-all. It takes dedicated effort and consistent practice to see significant changes.

It’s full of potential: Research continues to explore the vast potential of neuroplasticity in areas like mental health, addiction recovery, and cognitive enhancement. Some everyday implications regarding neuroplasticity include:

• • Resilience – Neuroplasticity allows us to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. It helps us adapt to life’s challenges without breaking.
  • Stress and adversity – Severe stress or adversity can disrupt neuroplasticity and is associated with conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

A FEW FINAL POINTS TO PONDER:

• • Neuroplasticity is influenced by various factors, including genetics, sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress.
  • Different areas of the brain exhibit different levels of plasticity.
  • While exciting, it’s important to approach claims about neuroplasticity with a critical eye and avoid unrealistic expectations.

Scotty