Neuroplasticity

[thimbline]

I just saw a fascinating show on PBS, talking about how the brain can improve itself through a process called neuroplasticity. The program was aired during pledge week, but I am curious if this is an actual principle that most scientists agree on?

[leetj]

Interesting. Honestly, this is the first time I hear about this new term. Can u further elaborate what is it actually? May be I can do further reading and join your discussion! 

[bataille]

I myself am not a neurologist despite working for Posit Science, who's created a brain fitness product. I understand neuroplasticity largely through the motto "use it or lose it": continued use and challenging of the brain leads to its improved fitness, although there are subtleties. Dr. Merzenich and Posit Science, for example, have designed a software program that triggers the brain's regenerative abilities through aural exercises. The program has undergone a successful clinical study, called IMPACT, which showed enhancement in cognitive functions among test groups by a difference of 10 years. Ours is currently the only product with hard scientific data, butmost experts would agree that neuroplasticity is a very real and promising field of study in neuroscience –perhaps the reason for the current buzz?

[kkmalaysia]

I totally believe in neuroplasticity. I believe learning and memory are proof of neuroplasticity. There must be some biochemical processes going on in our brain in order for us to store new memories. And these biochemical processes cause anatomical and functional changes in our brain. This was proven by the fact that Einstein's brain as compared to average human brain, has more gyri and sulci. Therefore, I believe even after the critical development period, there is still anatomical alteration of human brain and the processes go on until the brain stop functioning.

[aliun]

Very Interesting

[amanda]

Also referred to as brain plasticity, cortical plasticity or cortical re-mapping) is the changing of neurons, the organization of their networks, and their function via new experiences. This idea was first proposed in 1892 by Santiago Ramón y Cajal the proposer of the neuron doctrine though the idea was largely neglected for the next fifty years.