Neuroplasticity-“the brain’s ability to act and react in ever-changing ways”

The brain is adaptive with a large mental capacity to process varied information and complex experiences
Communication is constantly occurring in our brain through rearranging pathways and newly laid pathways between nerve cells (neurons).
Neuorplasticity allows for new memories, learning new skills, and adaptations/adjustments to new situations.
Allows individuals to recover/overcome brain injuries and cognitive disabilities.
Neuroplasticity occurs throughout our lifetime as the result of many different and complex processes and reshapes the brain from learning experiences or from injury.

Nature vs. Nurture

Both genetics and the environment play a role in the brain’s plasticity
Information from the environment is sent through axons to the part of the brain that is appropriate for handling that specific information
Information is sent via electrical impulses down an axon to the dendrite which synapses, or connects, to another neuron which repeats the process
These connections and pathways create a complex network of interconnections which transfer information between the environment and different parts of the brain
The genetic component plays a role at birth when each neuron has approximately 2,500 connections which increases to 15,000 connections by the age of two or three which then decreases again in adulthood
Neuroplasticity both deletes old connections and creates new connections through a process called synaptic pruning which allows processing of new information and removal of information that is not used.
Learning takes place through an alteration to an already existing connection between neurons or the formation of a new connection between neurons.
Scientists believe that long term memories are created when information is first stored through the transmission of information from one neuron to another to create a short term memory, and then reversed from the second neuron to the first as it is perceived to be important or repeated often.
This process is called reverbration and occurs through the electrochemical impulses

The Damaged Brain:

Plasticity allows for new connections to be rebuilt despite trauma, disease or genetic misfortune
Compensation takes place when pathways are damaged or dysfunctional by creating new pathways that reroute information or strengthen the damaged pathways
There are four major patters of plasticity that scientists have identified
Functional map expansion-surrounding healthy cells take over the function of the damaged pathways
Compensatory masquerade-reorganization of existing synaptic pathways to respond to changes in the body’s demands lost by the function in the damaged area
Homologous region adoption-an entire brain area takes over the functions of a distant brain area that has been damaged
Cross model reassignment-One type of sensory input replaces a damaged area
Neural processes never cease or reach a fixed pattern
New research reports that along with creating and modifying pathways, the brain can create new brain cells
The brain can retain its adaptive flexibility, regenerative capacity and efficiency throughout the life span if the brain is challenged and engaged by a variety of stimulations and new, as well as old, experiences

Future steps:

Research suggests that neuroplasticity may be the key part in creating effective treatments for brain damage as well as those suffering from cognitive disabilities
Some scientists believe that neuroplasticity will be able to rid individuals of discriminatory thoughts and provide individuals with the ability to perfect physical abilities
Based on the “directed neuroplasticity” theory, scientists can use precise calculations of input and repetitive patterns of stimulation to create advantageous outcomes and changes in the brain

The Aging Brain (2)