Our brains are truly amazing, aren’t they?
Have you ever watched one of those specials on someone who experienced an amazing, unexpected recovery after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other brain damage? Some of those stories seem like the only explanation is magic.
Although it certainly seems inexplicable, scientists have been hard at work studying exactly these cases over the last several decades, and have found the explanation behind the magic: neuroplasticity.
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This article contains:
- What is the Meaning of Neuroplasticity?
- A Brief History of Neuroplasticity
- The Theory and Principles of Neuroplasticity
- Neuroplasticity and Psychology
- Neuroplasticity and Learning
- Does Neuroplasticity Change with Age?
- Research and Studies on Neuroplasticity
- 7 Benefits Neuroplasticity Has on the Brain
- How to Rewire Your Brain with Neuroplasticity
- Healing the Brain with Neuroplasticity After Trauma
- Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation for Stroke Recovery
- How Can Neuroplasticity Help with Depression?
- Using Neuroplasticity to Help with Anxiety
- Chronic Pain and Neuroplasticity
- Neuroplasticity Therapy for ADHD, OCD, and Autism
- The Role of Mindfulness in Neuroplasticity
- How Music Changes the Brain
- Do Online Games and Apps Really Work?
- The Sentis Brain Animation Series
- TED Talks and YouTube Videos on Neuroplasticity
- 9 Recommended Books on Neuroplasticity
- 9 Quotes on Neuroplasticity
- A Take-Home Message
- References
What is the Meaning of Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt. Or, as Dr. Campbell puts it:
“It refers to the physiological changes in the brain that happen as the result of our interactions with our environment. From the time the brain begins to develop in utero until the day we die, the connections among the cells in our brains reorganize in response to our changing needs. This dynamic process allows us to learn from and adapt to different experiences” – Celeste Campbell (n.d.).
Our brains are truly extraordinary; unlike computers, which are built to certain specifications and receive software updates periodically, our brains can actually receive hardware updates in addition to software updates. Different pathways form and fall dormant, are created and are discarded, according to our experiences.
When we learn something new, we create new connections between our neurons. We rewire our brains to adapt to new circumstances. This happens on a daily basis, but it’s also something that we can encourage and stimulate.[…]
Continue —-> What is Neuroplasticity? A Psychologist Explains [+14 Exercises]
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