Neuroplasticity Explained

Summary

Recent research has debunked the idea that the brain is fixed and unchangeable after childhood. Instead, neuroplasticity shows that our brains can change throughout life, forming new pathways and strengthening or weakening existing ones. This process allows us to develop new habits and skills or break old ones. However, neuroplasticity can lead to both positive and negative changes in the brain. Advances in neuroplasticity-based therapies are now helping treat conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The Perth Brain Center has successfully used these therapies to help many patients over the past decade.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Scientists once believed the brain was fixed and couldn't change after childhood.
• 🔬 Recent research has proven that the brain can change well into old age, showing its plasticity.
• 🐕 The brain, much like a dog's, changes every day, which led to the term 'neuroplasticity.'
• 🏙️ Neuroplasticity can be thought of like a city with roads; some paths are more established, while others are new or underused.
• 🔄 When we repeat certain thoughts or behaviors, we strengthen those neural pathways, making them faster and easier to use.
• 🚧 If a pathway is unused or blocked, the brain can create new pathways or repair the old ones.
• 🔀 Neuroplasticity involves rewiring the brain by strengthening, creating, weakening, or repairing pathways.
• ⚖️ Neuroplasticity is neither good nor bad; it just reflects how the brain adapts to various habits and ways of thinking.
• ✨ Positive neuroplasticity can help with learning new skills or overcoming challenges like crossing the road safely.
• 🚫 Negative neuroplasticity can result in bad habits or unhealthy ways of thinking, but researchers are finding ways to direct it positively for treatments.

Q & A

What was the traditional view of the brain's ability to change?

Scientists used to believe that the brain was fixed and hardwired, and couldn't change after childhood.

What recent discovery has changed the understanding of the brain's adaptability?

Recent research shows that people's brains can change well into old age, challenging the idea that the brain is fixed after childhood.

What does it mean for the brain to be 'plastic' or 'pliable'?

The brain being 'plastic' or 'pliable' means it has the ability to change, adapt, and form new pathways over time. This concept is referred to as neuroplasticity.

How can neuroplasticity be visualized using the analogy of a city?

Neuroplasticity can be visualized as a city with many roads and lots of traffic. Some roads (pathways in the brain) are faster because they are used more frequently, while others are slower or can become blocked.

What happens to the pathways in the brain when we repeat certain thoughts, feelings, or actions?

When we repeat the same thoughts, feelings, or actions, the pathways in the brain associated with those behaviors are strengthened, making it easier and faster for the brain to use them.

What happens to unused or less frequently used pathways in the brain?

Unused or less frequently used pathways weaken over time, as the brain starts relying more on other, more frequently used pathways.

How can the brain build new pathways?

The brain builds new pathways when we start thinking, feeling, or doing something differently. With repetition, these new pathways can become more established and automatic.

Is neuroplasticity inherently good or bad?

Neuroplasticity is neither good nor bad. It is simply the brain's ability to change. It can lead to positive changes, such as learning new skills, or negative changes, such as developing bad habits.

What are some conditions that neuroplastic therapies are being developed to treat?

Neuroplastic therapies are being developed to treat conditions like ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and migraines.

How has the Perth Brain Center contributed to neuroplastic therapy?

The Perth Brain Center has helped thousands of people over the past decade by using neuroplastic therapies to treat various conditions, showing that it is possible to direct neuroplasticity in helpful ways.