The Amazing Adaptability of Your Brain: Unlocking the Power of Neuroplasticity

It was once thought that after the initial couple of years of life, the brain ceases developing, and during the early critical period of childhood, connections form between the nerve cells in the brain, which afterward remain in their fixed positions throughout our lives. Therefore, only young brains were thought to be 'plastic' and capable of developing new connections. Due to this hypothesis, researchers believed that when a specific region of the adult brain is injured, the nerve cells would be unable to establish new connections or repair themselves, and those functions dictated by that region of the brain would be lost forever. In the book titled "Principles of Psychology" written more than 100 years ago, William James laid out the first theory of neuroplasticity, proposing that the human brain is capable of reorganizing. It wasn't until 1948 that the term Neuroplasticity was coined by a Polish Neuroscientist by the name of Jerzy Konorski, who proposed that over time, neurons that had 'coincidental activation due to the proximity to the firing neuron would after time develop plastic changes in the brain. The vast array of research in the mid to latter half of the 20th century revealed that much of the brain remains changeable even into adulthood, and the term Neuroplasticity came into prominence. The human brain is now thought to be a highly dynamic and continuously reorganizing system capable of being molded and remolded throughout an entire lifespan. It is thought that every experience changes the brain's organization at some level.

Neuroplasticity is the lifelong ability of the brain to adapt and rewire itself in reaction to the stimulation of learning and experience. As we get older, the rate of change in the brain, or neuroplasticity, slows but does not stop. Furthermore, we now know that new neurons can emerge in some areas of the brain until the day we die. Research has shown that brain development and behavior are shaped by a general genetic template, as well as by an array of experiences and everything that constructs the unfolding brain. Even events that occur before birth may play a role in the restructuring of neural connections. This idea was counter to what was previously generally accepted in the scientific community as being the case that the brain forms during a critical phase early in childhood and subsequently remains fairly immutable.

Underlying Mechanism

The functional and structural unit of the nervous system is the Neuron. The information in the brain is passed from neuron to neuron using specialized junctions known as synapses. A synapse between two neurons consists of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals that are made distinct by a synaptic cleft. The presynaptic terminal contains numerous small vesicles filled with chemical neurotransmitters, and the postsynaptic terminal is made up of receptors specific for these neurochemicals. Neurons transmit information in the form of an electrical impulse known as an action potential that is activated at the cell body and flows down the axon. In the synapse, an action potential triggers voltage-dependent release of vesicles that contain neurotransmitter, thus converting an electrical impulse into a chemical signal. Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors, producing an electrical signal within the postsynaptic neuron. The postsynaptic cell will subsequently, in turn, trigger an action potential if the total of all of its synapses are at or above an electrical threshold for discharge. Because a neuron may be synapsed by numerous other presynaptic cells, each cell can integrate information from different sources before transmitting the information as an electrical code. The capacity of neurons to change the strength of existing synapses, as well as create new synaptic connections, is referred to as neuroplasticity. In this definition, neuroplasticity encompasses changes in the strength of mature synaptic connections, as well as synapse formation and synapse elimination in adult and developing brains.  Furthermore, neuroplasticity encompasses the regrowth (or sprouting) of new synaptic connections after central nervous system injury. Neurons that fire together tend to connect and get more powerful with time. This has been often summarized in the sentence, "neurons that fire together wire together." Conversely, unused connections get weaker and are eventually removed.

Types of Plasticity

• Synaptic Plasticity: Strengthening or weakening connections between neurons (synapses).

• Structural Plasticity: Forming new neurons (neurogenesis) and changing the physical brain structure.

• Functional Plasticity: Transferring functions from injured areas to intact areas.

  
  

Determinants of Plasticity

• Experience: Acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, and performing mentally challenging tasks can enhance plasticity.

• Injury: Damage to the brain may induce plasticity since the brain is trying to replace lost function.

• Development: Brain plasticity is especially significant in childhood and adolescence, when the brain is developing and reorganizing at a rapid rate.

  
  

Examples of Brain Plasticity

• Learning a new language: The brain reconfigures neural paths to support the new language's sounds and structure.

• Recovery from a stroke: The brain can redirect functions away from damaged tissue to other unharmed areas.

• Acquiring a new skill: Doing things such as playing an instrument or learning a new sport can result in structural and functional change in the brain.

  
  

The Power of Neuroplasticity in Everyday Life

Neuroplasticity is not only a scientific phenomenon, but it also has deep significance in our lives:

• Learning and Skill Acquisition: It enables us to acquire new languages, musical instruments, and other skills at any age.

• Recovery from Brain Injury: It helps the brain rewire itself following a stroke or traumatic brain injury and allows for functional recovery.

• Mental Health: Neuroplasticity is involved in the recovery from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Methods such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy can facilitate healthy neuroplastic changes.

• Aging: Although neuroplasticity decreases with age, it doesn't vanish. Participating in mentally stimulating activities can preserve cognitive function and foster healthy brain aging.

• Pain Management: Chronic pain has the ability to change brain circuitry. Neuroplasticity can be used to rewire pain circuits, minimizing pain perception.

  
  

Unleashing Your Brain's Power

The following are some realistic ways to unleash neuroplasticity:

• New Skill: Learn a new one, such as a new language, a new hobby, or a musical instrument.

• Mental Exercise: Exercise your brain with puzzles, brain games, and mental challenges.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can reorganize brain connections linked to anxiety and stress.

• Get Regular Physical Exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week.

• Prioritize Sleep: 7-9 hours of good quality sleep per night.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Seek Out Novel Experiences: Travel, experience new places, and engage in new activities.

• Social Engagement: Develop significant relationships and social activities.

  
  

The Future of Neuroplasticity

• Neuroplasticity research continues to grow, opening up promising new avenues for the treatment of neurological conditions, improving cognitive function, and healthy aging. As we learn more about the brain's incredible plasticity, we can realize its full potential and lead more fulfilling lives.

• The potential of neuroplasticity is a testament to how amazing our brain is at changing. By adopting lifelong learning and doing things that challenge our brains, we can build a more robust, flexible, and lively brain during our lifetime.

  
  

It’s time for a positive spin on the word “plastic”. Thinking about brain flexibility, how “plastic”

is your brain, and what novel pursuit will you shape it with? Share in the comments!

References

1. Mateos-Aparicio P, Rodríguez-Moreno A. The impact of the study of brain plasticity. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 2019;13:66. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00066/full (last accessed 24.11.2019)

2. Keci A, Tani K, Xhema J. Role of Rehabilitation in Neural Plasticity. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019 May 15;7(9):1540. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542405/ (last accessed 24.11.2019)

3. Wang W, Collinger JL, Perez MA, Tyler-Kabara EC, Cohen LG, Birbaumer N, Brose SW, Schwartz AB, Boninger ML, Weber DJ. Neural interface technology for rehabilitation: exploiting and promoting neuroplasticity. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics. 2010 Feb 1;21(1):157-78.