For decades, scientists think that brain structure is fixed after infancy and new neuron cells cannot be grown. Last couple of decades showed us that is not true and a concept called neuroplasticity came in our life. So, what is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is an ability to form new connections and paths and changing which are already present. The one step further is neurogenesis meaning, the ability of grow new neurons (Bergland, 2017). Neuroplasticity continues until death but it slows down with the age.
There are plenty of ways to increase neuroplasticity. Activities such as learning to play a musical instrument, reading fiction books, start to using non-dominant hand, travelling especially to somewhere new, learning a language, dancing (it also decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease) and enriching our vocabulary increases our neuroplasticity and help learning (Ackerman,2021).
Moreover, neuroplasticity may be used in the treatment of chronic pain. Because chronic pain is a result of fixed connections between neurons, if we can form these connections again we can also cure chronic pain. (Ackerman,2021).
We mentioned brain can form new connections and new neurons. Does it mean brain has an endless power of heal? Unfortunately, not. Some of the brain’s part become special for some functions. If these areas get injured, these functions cannot be performed from other parts (Cherry, 2021).
Does neuroplasticity bring benefits only? It has plenty of benefits but it makes settling of dysfunctional behavior and thoughts easier. In addiction and depression, it causes disorder to continue. Depression causes brain dysfunctions and encourages to use maladaptive and unhealthy paths instead of healthy ones. After taking initial dose of drugs, neuroplasticity is responsible of addiction (Ackerman,2021; Cherry,2021).
Finally, the benefits of these two concepts are; healing after brain injuries and paralysis, provide more efficient learning, having stronger memory etc. (Ackerman,2021).
Fatma Betül Yılmaz
Research Assistant
REFERENCES
Ackerman,C. (2021, February 5).
What is Neuroplasticity? A Psychologist Explains [+14 Exercises]. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/.
Bergland, C. (2017). How do neuroplasticity and neurogenesis rewire your brain?
Psychology Today. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201702/how-do-neuroplasticity-and-neurogenesis-rewire-your-brain
Cherry, K. (2021, February 3).
How Brain Neurons Change Over Time From Life Experience. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886.
