Psychologists thought genes provided the blueprint for our mental capacity and that favorable childhood experiences supported optimal growth, while unfavorable ones hindered it. It was widely accepted that the brain reached its maximum growth in youth and then declined with age, injury, or illness. However, the discovery of neuroplasticity has transformed contemporary science and psychology’s understanding of the human brain.
What recent research has shown is that under the right circumstances, the power of brain plasticity can help adults’ minds grow. This science is called Neuroplasticity.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. It is also known as brain plasticity, However, when people say that the brain possesses plasticity, they are not suggesting that the brain is similar to plastic.
Plasticity refers to the brain’s malleability, which is defined as being easily influenced, trained, or controlled. Neuro refers to neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system. Thus, neuroplasticity is when nerve cells change or adjust.
Although certain brain machinery tends to decline with age, there are steps people can take to tap into plasticity and reinvigorate that machinery. These circumstances include focused attention, determination, hard work and maintaining overall brain health.
Types of Neuroplasticity
The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons. Early researchers believed that neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons, stopped shortly after birth. Today, we know that the brain can reorganize pathways, create new connections, and even generate new neurons through neuroplasticity.
There are two main types of neuroplasticity:
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Investors India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Investors India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Microbiome: The Invisible Ecosystem Within us that Safeguards our Health
Imagine being able to heal yourself and build immunity against major diseases without relying on heavy medication. It sounds fantastic, right? Who wouldn’t want that? The key to achieving this lies in a fascinating area of research—our microbiome.
Gold ETFs: Attractive option for retail investors to take exposure to yellow metal
With the equity market experiencing volatility in August, investors are increasingly seeking to diversify their portfolios.
5 Steps to Achieve Your Financial Goals
From a beach house, a Jaguar, to traveling the world – there are many things in life that we want to accomplish.
The Retail Revolution: How India's Stock Market Got a Makeover by the Common Man
In the annals of India’s financial history, the stock market has long been the playground of the big boys—mutual funds, insurance behemoths, and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).
Strategies to adopt when the markets are at a high (for new and existing MF investors)
An investor must have a plan in place and, more importantly, stick to it regardless of shifting market conditions.
A Collaboration to keep Health FirstPNUT and IDA come together as One!
You reap what you sow! And if you sow health, you will reap a healthier tomorrow. Following the same lines, Personal Nutrition (PNUT) and Indian Dental Association (IDA) have come together as partners to promote complete health and nutrition for each individual! How things unfolded? Let’s explore.
Making a choice between equity and debt mutual funds for long-term goals
Mutual funds are quickly becoming a preferred investment choice for millennials.
ASK THE EXPERT
From last Financial Year, I have shifted to the new Tax Regime.
Flexi-cap Fund Vs Hybrid Fund
Investors in mutual funds can choose from equity, debt, or hybrid funds, each offering different risk and return profiles. Flexi-cap funds provide diversification across market capitalisations, while hybrid funds balance equity and debt for stable returns.
Neuroplasticity: You Can Teach An 'Old' Brain New Skill
A few decades ago, it was believed that the brain’s structure and functions were entirely dependent on genetics, age, and early childhood experiences.
