Neuroplasticity And The Brain

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize itself through creating new neural pathways, by the neurons (nerve cells) compensating for injury or disease. Neurons actually change their activities in response to changes in their environment or new situations.

Old Theories Die Hard

Back in 1913 the Spanish neuroanatomist, Santiago Ramon y Cajal said “the nerve pathways are something fixed, ended and immutable.” But he was also wise enough to put in this qualifier by saying “It is for the science of the future to change, if possible, this harsh decree.” Well, the time is here and now when that has actually transpired. And neuroplasticity is the key.

Scientists have discovered that the brain can adapt or respond, given repeated patterns of activity. So the brain develops according to the life we lead. It’s not only about the genes. We may have a predisposition for certain conditions or functions, but these do not have to be activated if there is no trigger. Michael Meaney of McGill University in Toronto, has actually proven we are not bound by our genes.

The Power of Thought Proven Scientifically

How we think affects the structure and make-up of our brains. Deliberate mental training can transform our minds, and bring about observable changes in the brain. Conditions for which we may be genetically predisposed may never appear, and normal functioning can also be restored.

It has been previously thought that attention and perception were subject to strict constraints, but it has now been learned that these constraints can be overrided with proper training. Richard Davidson is a neuroscientist from the University of Wisconsin, and he showed how meditating on compassion can activate neural areas for preparedness and positive feeling.

Also William James, the 19th century psychologist and father of experimental psychology, introduced the word plasticity to brain science in 1890. He stated “organic matter, especially nervous tissue, seems endowed with a very extraordinary degree of plasticity.” So what he is saying is that a structure can yield to an influence.

Help Is Available

Prior to all this, science has had the brain hard wired and fixed. Change was not thought possible. But now we see that through neuroplasticity the brain has the ability to change its functions and structures. For example, people with brain damage from an accident or stroke can be helped regardless of age. Mental diseases such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and depression now have a solution to their challenges. Edward Taub, a behavioral psychologist, created constraint-induced movement therapy, and has obtained remarkable results in helping stroke patients regain bodily functions.

Brain and Mind Transformation

The brain actually changes as a result of the thinking we do. Fred Gage of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA discovered how the brain can generate new neurons. This is the field of neurogenesis.

So we see that our brain is much more adaptable than ever before imagined. So if the brain can change, we can change. Although this requires mental effort and focus (attention is critical), the rewards are there. This certainly beats relying on all those psychotropic drugs with their side effects. But we really need to desire this change. The mind can actually transform the brain. Dyslexics can learn to read fluently by repetition of sensory input.

The bottom line is that nueroplasticity can lead to radical change in individuals and our world. It’s necessary that we get our educational systems up to date on this new research so more can benefit. We can optimize human development through these discoveries.

The genes do not dictate brain specialization. It is not a function of anatomy but of experience, both inner and outer. Experience forms the functions of the brain, and neuroplasticity opens up a whole new world of possibility . Click here for the Transforming Child Behavior Home Page.

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