What is Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to adapt and change due to experience is known as neuroplasticity. It is a general word referring to the brain’s capacity to expand, change, or alter neural networks. This may include structural changes brought on by learning, or functional alterations brought on by brain damage.
Plasticity describes the brain’s adaptability or capacity for change, rather than that the brain is plastic. The term “neuro” describes the nerve cells that make up the neurological system and brain. Thus, nerves in your brain can adapt or alter due to neuroplasticity.
How it works
A child’s brain grows at a super fast rate during the first few years of a child’s life. An estimated 2,500 synapses, (tiny spaces between neurons where nerve impulses are conveyed) exist in each cerebral cortex cell at birth. This number quickly increases to an astounding 15,000 synapses per neuron by the age of three!
On the other hand, the average adult’s synapses are only around half that amount. Why? Because some connections become stronger and others become weaker as we gain new experiences. Synaptic pruning is the term for this whole process. Think of it as pruning a tree to remove old branches to make space for the new, healthy ones!
Stronger connections tend to be formed between neurons that are used regularly. While neurons that are hardly ever used, eventually die. By developing new connections and discarding old ones, our brain will adapt to the quickly changing environment around us.
The role of age and environment
Although plasticity happens at all stages of life, some types of changes are more common at particular ages. Childhood is a time when the developing brain expands and organizes itself, which causes the brain to alter significantly. Younger brains are generally more receptive to events and more sensitive than much older brains. This does not, however, imply that adult brains are incapable of adapting. Additionally, genetics may have an impact. The effect of heredity and environment also alters the plasticity of the brain as well.
How do neurons communicate with one another
Basically, a neuron generates electrical charges as it signals and receives signals from other neutrons. Synapses are the tiny gaps where chemicals called neurotransmitters are released to transfer information to each other. The more these “synaptic pathways” are used, the stronger the communication is between neurons.
How to improve neuroplasticity
There are countless ways to increase your neuroplasticity so that you can better adapt to new situations throughout the course of your life.
These include:
- Learning a new language
- Learning to play a new instrument
- Travelling to new places and exploring
- Diving into “creative” activities such as art, dance, and etc
- Reading (yes many teens and kids despise this, but it will truly help you later on)