Neuroplasticity, simply put, refers to the altering of neurons as well as the organization of neural networks that takes place inside the brain. Though originally introduced in the late 19th century, it has only recently begun to garner serious consideration. Why is everyone so excited about the possibility of neuroplasticity? Because studies in this field are showing positive signs that the brain can repair itself and form new connections for adaptive purposes.
This strongly indicated that scientists of old were wrong in their assumption that the brain is limited in adult years and that people are incapable of reaching a certain level of intelligence, mental competency and various other personality traits. Scientists have observed that the human being will start to rebuild itself (or more specifically, reorganize its network connections) in order to repair trauma or brain damage. It has also been observed that the brain has the capacity to form new connections, change wiring and eliminate old wiring. This suggests to many that the brain is capable of change at any age, and potentially could continue to grow and improve for an unlimited period of time.
What does this mean for people today? Since research has shown that the brain never reaches a point of a “fixed pattern” (indicating the inability to change or a limit of some sort) that it has great potential to grow, adapt and acquire new knowledge for an apparently indefinite period of time. Some studies also suggest that the brain can generate entirely new neurons or brain cells. It was originally thought that only newborn children had this ability to regenerate brain cells; however, recent evidence has shown that new neurons can develop late into a person’s life span, even beyond the age of 70.
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