BRAIN PLASTICITY AND THE IMPACT OF BEHAVIOUR
For some time, scientists have recognised the neuroplasticity of the brain. That is, the ability of the brain to at
least partially recover from damage or disease, and for some functions
to be relocated. This neuroplasticity is more widespread in the
developing brains of children and adolescents, but even an octogenarian
can recover some brain functioning following damage by stroke or
illness.
Neuroplasticity refers to the fact that our nervous system
is not a static network of interconnected elements. In fact, the nervous
system is plastic. This means that it is a living organ that changes
and grows continually in response to our environment and genetics.
Our
immediate environment can influence the development of the nervous
system. If we do not activate our neurons and synapses through
experience, they do not normally survive. This is why it is so important
that babies are stimulated from birth to ensure that their synapses and
neurons adapt and form strong neural pathways.
Neuroplasticity is
the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural
connections throughout the lifetime of the individual. It allows neurons
in the brain to compensate for disease or injury and adjust their
activities in response to changes in the environment or new situations.
Brain
reorganisation takes place by mechanisms such as axonal sprouting,
where undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect neurons whose
links are severed or injured.Undamaged axons will also sprout nerve
endings and connect to undamaged cells to form new neural pathways. As
we grow, new cells each contain a copy of our DNA. The more they copy,
the more this process can become imperfect and gene mutations can occur,
which can lead to disease or disability.
Are you interested in finding out more about how the brain works? Read our Brain and Behaviour ebook.