Neuroplasticity of the Brain

Nothing speeds brain atrophy more than being immobilized in the same environment: the monotony undermines our dopamine and attentional systems crucial to our brain plasticity.

- Norman Doidge

Every time we learn something new or face something different, we try to give a unique response to it. Our cerebrum adjusts its very design with every new movement it performs to improve fit to the climate that it manages.

Now, what is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to modify itself according to the surrounding environment by forming new neural connections over time. 
Neuroplasticity is likewise alluded to as mind pliancy. All aspects of our brain are known as "plastic" as they are adaptive and can get altered in response to changes in the environment. 

How does Neuroplasticity work?

Neuroplasticity includes overhauling and re-sorting out the brain, in which the development of new associations and end of the neural pathways to harmed cerebrum regions happens. 

Processes through which neuroplasticity works are rerouting and sprouting.

1. Sprouting: the process in which new connections are created between nerve cells. 
2. Rerouting: the cycle where a neural option pathway is made by erasing harmed nerve cells. Rerouting also involves the formation of new routes between active neurons.

Our brain can create new synapses. Synapses are structures in the nerve cells through which the electrochemical signals of the brain are transmitted. Neuroplasticity exercises and cognitive training can activate all these changes in the brain. 

Four main types of Neuroplasticity adaptations

1. Neurogenesis involves creating new nerve cells in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb of the brain. Neurogenesis occurs at high rates in young brains and slows down in the adult brains.
2. Synaptogenesis: involves the formation of new neural connections. Synaptogenesis occurs when the brain is exposed to new environments and experiences.
3. Long-term potentiation: This is associated with memory and learning. It involves strengthening the synapses through recurring activities like studying and practising.
4. Long-term depression: Long-term depression is associated with memory and motor training. Long-term depression weakens the synapses that aren't being used for a long time. Sometimes long-term depression may also lead to memory loss from neurological disorders. 

Why is Neuroplasticity so important?

Brain plasticity enhances both memory power and overall cognitive skills. Neuroplasticity in adults restores old, lost connections and functions that have not been used in some time.

Recent researches have conferred that Neuroplasticity helps in brain recovery from traumatic injuries. It enables the brain to improve its cognitive and emotional health. Thereby, Neuroplasticity facilitates healing in several post-trauma brain injuries and also ensures fast recovery. Studies have shown Neuroplasticity provides successful recovery from strokes too.

How can one increase their brain plasticity?

One can increase their Neuroplasticity via daily physical and mental exercises. Exercises such as yoga, meditation, reading, sleeping, fasting, playing musical instruments, and playing brain games help increase the brain's Neuroplasticity. Other activities like taking up new challenges in daily life, learning new things, travelling, and exploring can also improve brain plasticity.

A study on neuronal plasticity is significant today due to its involvement in treating several mental disorders and brain injuries. Moreover, several pieces of research on Neuroplasticity have also demonstrated that people are not limited to the cognitive abilities they are born with.

Author

Saurabh Dey
Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute
Pune, India