What Is Neuroplasticity In The Brain?

Neuroplasticity in the brain, also known as cerebral plasticity, is one of the most important recent findings about the human body. It is the brain’s ability to change and adapt to new behaviors or experiences.

Until recently, scientists believed that neural circuits only formed and changed during childhood. In other words, they thought it was impossible to change or make new connections in adulthood based on learning and experiences.

However, researchers have discovered that the neurons in our brain can be constantly regenerated. In fact, they not only do this anatomically, they can also create new links. This concept is often known as “neuroplasticity”. Although it seems simple, this is what allows the brain to recover after certain injuries and disorders.

In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about neuroplasticity in the brain.

What is neuroplasticity in the brain?

Previously, researchers believed that nerve tissue could only change early in life. This means that they thought it was impossible to recover from brain problems. In recent years, however, researchers have discovered that this is not the case.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of neurons to regenerate. They do this both anatomically and functionally. It is actually a process that involves many biochemical and metabolic reactions. In addition, it means that it has a large adaptation potential.

Researchers began to notice this problem in the 1960s. They drew attention to several cases of adults who had suffered a stroke. In fact, they discovered that many seemed to get better for a period after the accident.

Thus, they began to perform various imaging and stimulation tests to show that neuroplasticity exists. Researchers are still investigating all aspects of this phenomenon.

How does neuroplasticity work?

The synapse is the area where the neurons communicate with each other. When we are born, we have a limited number of synapses per nerve cell in the cerebral cortex. In fact, researchers believe that there are about 2,500 synapses. However, as we get older, this number increases to almost 10,000 synapses per neuron.

This happens because we learn and experience new behaviors as we grow. All this means that new brain connections are formed and strengthen others. However, this also means that those you do not use will die.

With neuroplasticity in the brain, new synapses can form or regenerate throughout life. In fact, this happens through various molecular and chemical mechanisms. Every time you learn new things, the synapses will be strengthened or increased.

The most important things that happen here are:

• The excitability of the neuron is regained. This happens because the balance between the ions inside and outside the neurons is restored.
• Parts of the damaged neuron are regenerated, especially the axon.
• The neurons that were not active are restored.

These reactions are very complicated. The result, however, is that there are more connections in the brain.

The importance of this finding

Neuroplasticity in the brain is mainly important for therapies. By discovering that this process exists, researchers have discovered that many brain injuries can actually be treated. By creating new connections, the brain can therefore restore certain functions.

For example , researchers are studying this in people with traumatic injuries. However, there are some other diseases doctors can improve with this knowledge:

• Obsessive thoughts
• Certain types of schizophrenia
• Inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior (ADHD)
• Anxiety and depression

Hopefully, specialists will continue to learn even more. After all, knowing this about the brain can help improve the outcome of many more diseases in the future.