This idea was so appealing that it was widely believed until well into the 19th century. It became obvious in the early 20th century that brain development reflected a series of stages that we can now see as being broadly divided into two phases. In most mammals the first reflects a genetically determined sequence of events in utero that can be modulated by maternal environment. The second phase, which is both preand postnatal in humans, is a time when the connectivity of the brain is very sensitive not only to the environment but also to the patterns of brain activity produced by experiences. More importantly, however, it is now recognized that epigenetic changes, which can be defined as changes in developmental outcomes, including regulation of gene expression, are based upon mechanisms other than DNA itself (Blumberg, Freeman, & Robinson, 2010). For example, gene expression can be altered by specific experiences, and this in turn can lead to organizational changes in the nervous system.
Considering various forms of plasticity together may maximize the probability of identifying therapeutic and preventive interventions for neurological disorders and the maintenance of brain efficiency through aging. A complete mapping of brain maturation heterogeneity in different mammalian species is at present lacking. Systematically mapping these different forms of plasticity across species would permit relating these data to humans. Neuroplasticity – or brain plasticity – is the ability of the brain to modify its connections or re-wire itself. Without this ability, any brain, not just the human brain, would be unable to develop from infancy through to adulthood or recover from brain injury.
Nevertheless, besides the involvement of neurotrophins, semaphorins, and GABA deficits [115,118,120,126], little is known about the molecular substrates regulating the relationship between plasticity, maturation, and neurological disorders. The simplest way to manipulate experience across ages is to compare brain structure in animals living in standard laboratory caging to animals placed either in severely impoverished environments or so-called enriched environments. Raising animals in deprived environments such as in darkness, silence, or social isolation clearly retards brain development. For example, dog puppies raised alone show a wide range of behavioural abnormalities, including a virtual insensitivity to painful experiences (Hebb, 1949). Similarly, raising animals as diverse as monkeys, cats, and rodents in the dark severely interferes with development of the visual system.
**Brain plasticity**, also known as neuroplasticity, is a term that refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout a person’s life. This phenomenon involves the brain’s capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which can occur in response to learning new information, recovering from injury, or adapting to new experiences. Essentially, the brain has the remarkable ability to rewire itself based on the activities and stimuli it encounters.
How Does Brain Plasticity Work?
On the other hand, failure of homeostatic controls during stress might favor depression and anxiety-like behaviors [283]. Interesting, a study has demonstrated that resilient mice expressed an up-regulated hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in the dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) after chronic stress. This Ih current was higher than the upregulation usually observed in depressed mice and it drove an excitatory force that was countered by an increase in K+ channel currents, a cell-specific compensatory mechanism that reduced VTA DA excitability to control levels [284]. Although the brain’s cell proliferation program is extensively abolished throughout neurodevelopment, still some neuronal niches retain their proliferative precursors and thus are continually capable of producing adult-born neurons. That is particularly true for the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles (SVZ) and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal DG (SGZ). While SVZ neuroblasts advance along the rostral migratory stream to mainly reach the olfactory bulb and differentiate into interneurons, SGZ neuroblasts shortly migrate to adjacent granular cell layer to differentiate into excitatory neurons [84].
Understanding the roles of neuroplasticity in neuropsychiatric illnesses and their relationship to symptom development is critical to creating improved, targeted therapies. While there has been progress toward understanding the mechanisms of plasticity and innovations in therapies, there remain several challenges to studying this process. Plasticity occurs on a spectrum from microscale changes at the synapse to morphological alterations that span the entire nervous system. Relating synaptic development to clinical improvement requires integration of multiple tools in conjunction, adding to the complexity of the evaluation, but creating new opportunities for discovery and development.
When you learn something new or practice a skill, your brain forms new neural pathways or strengthens existing ones. This process involves the creation of synapses, connections between neurons that allow them to communicate with each other. By repeating tasks or accessing information, these pathways become more efficient, leading to improved performance and retention of knowledge.
Factors Influencing Brain Plasticity
- Age: Brain plasticity tends to be more pronounced in younger individuals, but it can still occur in adults, particularly with focused training and practice.
- Experiences: Exposure to new environments, challenges, and learning opportunities can stimulate brain plasticity and promote cognitive development.
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition for enhanced brain plasticity, making it easier for them to learn and adapt.
The connections that are not reinforced by sensory stimulation eventually weaken, and the connections that are reinforced become stronger. Throughout the life of a human or other mammal, these neural connections are fine-tuned through the organism’s interaction with its surroundings. During early childhood, which is known as a critical period of development, the nervous system must receive certain sensory inputs in order to develop properly.
Benefits of Stimulating Brain Plasticity
- Enhanced Learning: By actively engaging in new activities and acquiring new skills, you can improve your cognitive abilities and expand your knowledge base.
- Resilience: A brain that exhibits high plasticity is better equipped to recover from injuries, such as stroke or trauma, by rerouting functions to undamaged areas.
- Mental Health: Encouraging brain plasticity through mental exercises and challenges can help prevent cognitive decline and maintain overall brain health.
FAQs about Brain Plasticity
- Can brain plasticity decline with age?
- While brain plasticity may decrease with age, older adults can still benefit from activities that challenge their cognitive abilities and promote neural connections.
- Is brain plasticity limited to intellectual pursuits?
- No, brain plasticity extends to physical activities as well. Exercises that engage both the body and mind can enhance neural connectivity and overall brain function.
