Neuroplasticity refers to the altering of neurons and the organization (or reorganization) of networks and pathways. Essentially, neuroplasticity refers to the “plasticity” of the brain. The brain is made of nerve cells (called neurons and glial cells) and they all interconnect in such intricate ways that even everything we know as the Internet cannot compare.
We have recently discovered that the brain has the potential to change and grow in knowledge, because it has the ability to remove connections, add connections or even create new cells. (A recent discovery; as it was once thought that only newborns and young children had this capacity) All of this is strong evidence that the brain can retain its adaptive flexibility, regenerative capacity, and excellent efficiency throughout a person’s life.
This indicates to many that neuroplasticity could mean a world without mental illness. Scientists speculate that with further research we may be able to discover more effective treatments for brain damage (regardless of whether the damage is from trauma or cognitive decline, as with age or disease). Further research may also mean more help to people living with personality disorders or cognitive disabilities. Some have even boldly suggested this could mean the ability to change an entire person’s personality. For example, “curing” the person of racism, prejudice, criminal behavior or even general “stupidity.” Furthermore, people could be reeducated. Lost skills could easily be relearned. The decline of abilities could be delayed or even reversed. In short, the age old argument of “I’m too old to change” could be proven a lie.
The possibilities are endless and thus many people are very excited about the future. We have been indoctrinated to believe that a person’s mind is just so; always mindful of our limitations, but never truly aware of our unlimited potential!
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