Recent advancements in science have altered the way neurologists view the human adult brain. 25-years ago, common theory believed retraining or "reorganizing" brain activity was impossible after adolescent years, and/or limited by an individual’s age. Neuroplasticity (neu.ro.plas.tic.i.ty) is a process enabling individuals of all ages to relearn motor skills, new behaviors, or physical movement. This non-invasive procedure reorganizes or reconditions functions including connections between nerve or neural networks. Because of these evolved theories, individuals who have previously succumb to mobility impairment from strokes, or a lifetime of conditioned behaviors, quite possibly have the ability to strengthen or adjust synapses (the connections between the nerve cells) and relearn new functions.

What is Neuroplasticity?

The nervous system is in control of processing responses between internal and external stimuli. These functions are described as "connections" between neurons and a synopsis of cognitive and motor learning skills. Neuroplasticity a.k.a. "brain plasticity" is an adjustment in the human brain (reorganization) which can help an individual learn a new positive role or function. These reconditioned experiences can be of significant assistance when dealing with one or more of the following issues:

sensory stimulation: stroke/injury
emotional: depression/mental/addictive disorders
rehabilitation: physical movement
developmental: learning disabilities

Your Lifestyle & Brain Function

Daily life choices also affect the functionality of our human brain. It is common knowledge that processed food, smoking, and high stressors all significantly impact our mind’s ability to operate and perform day after day. Furthermore, these factors have been proven to contribute to depression, mental, and/or addictive disorders. Lifestyle is essentially one of the most important identifying elements in helping our brain reorganize things such as:

function (developmental functions, learning capability).
grey matter (muscle control, all sensory perceptions, and self-control).
synapses (cellular level, sending messages from one cell to another).

Neurologists have also identified a correlation between daily activities and plasticity available in brain function, when patients included the following into day-to-day routines: physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and a healthy diet. Additionally, studies captured the resilience of the brain in elderly patients when those factors were present. These key components aided in healthy aging and offsetting disease, such as diabetes and dementia. Further relationships between positive/healthy lifestyle choices and the brain’s plasticity were found when contributing to body/brain performance:

Neutrophic signaling (development, maintenance, and function of vertebrate nervous systems).
Neurogenesis (regeneration of newly formed neuronal cells: learning/memory).
Stress Responses
Inflammation
Antioxidant defenses

How to Recondition Your Brain

Eliminating destructive or distracting behaviors through neuroplasticity is possible. For example, an individual has the ability to strengthen neural connections and empower their brain with two very simple principles. First, "neurons that fire together wire together", meaning, the more you practice a repetitive action, the more the synapses will condition this trait up as a newly formed habit. **Remember, it takes 21-days to change or pick-up a new behavior. Second, "if you don't use it, you lose it" fundamentally meaning, keep practicing, learning, and trying.

Living a Rewarding Life

Neurologists are still learning so much about our evolving human brain. Yes, we are still evolving! The ability to assist patients after a stroke, and finding rehabilitative practices enables individuals to live a full-life. Furthermore, assisting maturing patients with the use of neuroplasticity and cognitive engagement can also aid in offsetting illnesses associated with aging. Essentially, modifiable lifestyle choices partnered with neuroplasticity assist in reconditioning your brain for better life-experiences.

Citations:

1. Merzenich, M. (n.d.). Growing evidence of brain plasticity [Video file]. Retrieved from TED Talks website: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_merzenich_growing_evidence_of_brain_plasticity

2. Stuss, D. T., Robertson, Ian H., & Craik, F. I.M., Levine, B., Alexander, M.P., Black, S., Dawson, D., Binns, M.A., Palmer, H., Downey-Lamb, M., & Winocur, G. (2007, January)., 13(1), 120-131. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/cognitive-rehabilitation-in-the-elderly-a-randomized-trial-to-evaluate-a-new-protocol/1306673DA8B553F2A7ACFC43FA818B6D

3. Huang, E. J., & Reichardt, L. F. (2001). Neurotrophins: roles in neuronal development and function. Annual review of neuroscience, 24, 677–736. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.24.1.677

4. Van Praag, H., Schinder, A., Christie, B. et al. Functional neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Nature 415, 1030–1034 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/4151030a

5. Medium. (2019). Neuroplasticity is Mind Boggling Science. Retrieved from https://medium.com/invisible-illness/neuroplasticity-is-mind-boggling-science-29a215e44096

6. Image(1) Found at: https://www.kumon.com/resources/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/brain-1280x640.jpg

7. Image(2) Found at: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/42/56/25/4256255b49af06be762022f5e6090bf4.jpg

https://thebestbrainpossible.com

8. Image(3) Found at: Pexels.com