Enhanced Brain Power- Neuroplasticity and its Outcomes

In 1948, Konorski first used the term neuroplasticity as way of referring to the neuronal structures of the brain. The intrinsics of neuroplasticity, however, did not become prominent until years later; causing yet another scientific paradigm shift.

The topic of neuroplasticity is now well recognized, with scientists highlighting the importance it plays in human experiences, learning, and memory. Such is the importance of neuroplasticity, that in 2010, scientists declared the upcoming decade a "significant time for advances in neurology and understanding of the brain".

Neuroplasticity today could be best defined as the ability of neurons to create connective networks in the brain as a response to new information. It is transformative and continuous; a discovery that revolutionized the way learning and cognition is approached today. Neuroplasticity is a promising discovery, showing vast positive outcomes and exciting potential in improving general health and enhancing wellness. Through learning about neuroplasticity, it’s hoped that people can continue to live a more potent and robust lifestyle.

The Malleable Brain

The human brain is neuroplastic, meaning that it is malleable. The brain's cells, including neurons, receive intrinsic and extrinsic information, which also serve as factors to create a response. This transversing of information can have both positive and negative influences at any age- enhancing or diminishing neurological factors. So how can the study of neuroplasticity be improved in it of itself? How can neuroplasticity be used to improve mental illness and improve health?

When it comes to using neuroplasticity as a way of improving health, it's important to consider that the brain reorganizes neuronal networks all the time, while also adjusting plasticity through synapse formation. Additionally, the process of neuroplastic adjustments has also shown to reinforce neurogenesis, which means that not only are new connections and reorganizations being made, but also that new brain cells are emerging constantly. The fact that neuroplasticity can lead to neurogenesis is transformative. Examining such intrinsics could potentially contribute to curing or preventing cognitive diseases; including Alzheimer's.

To look at the ways that neuroplasticity is transformative, it is imperative to state that there are different types of neuroplasticity. There is developmental plasticity, for instance, which occurs in the first years of life. This type of neuroplasticity is essential in order for neurons to create connections, reinforce them through the intake of sensory stimuli, or weaken them if not useful. This explains why early childhood years are crucial to cognitive development.

Compensatory masquerade neuroplasticity is another derivative, which takes place when an impairment prevents the brain from performing a task and therefore is obligated to create an alternative strategy. Then there is map expansion plasticity, which involves the flexibility of local brain regions that perform specific functions based on the information received. Lastly, there is cross modal reassignment neuroplasticity, which is when there is a fresh input of information that needs to be processed. All stages/types of neuroplasticity are of great significance, and researchers continue to look at these cognitive differences across the lifespan. Findings related to increased detail awareness and compiled learning, for example, have created a hopeful perspective as to what can be improved regarding health.

Nurture Enriches Neuroplasticity

A constant trend in this blog is the belief in nurturing and educating. This is why Marian Diamond's findings are highly relevant. Diamond was a researcher that was able to prove that the brain shrinks with impoverishment and grows in an enriched environment at any point of a person's life (Diamond et al., 1971, 1984; Malkasian and Diamond, 1971).

Scientific evidence supported the aforementioned statement, and a total of five essential factors for a healthy brain were also established, thus affirming the neuroplasticity of the brain. Such factors included: newness, challenge, exercise, diet, and love.

To understand why these five factors were identified as "health promoting", each will be explained.

The Newness and Challenge Factor on Boosting Health

In a recent study, new and enriching experiences resulted in a decreased age degeneration, which supports the" age is just a number" famous saying. This finding was attributed to the declining accumulation of lipofuscin in the dentate gyrus of the brain. The mentioned new and enriching experiences included those of academic and career achievement, with test subjects showing higher levels of cognition and delayed impairment compared to others with no such mentioned experiences. This study supported a positive correlation between a healthy lifespan and the ability to take on a new challenge.

But how can these factors be used in an educational setting?

Educational settings should be an inviting environment to explore different creative interests. Music, for instance, is a multi-sensory form of enrichment and has a positive influence in maintaining and acquiring information. Music or instrument acquisition can lead to cognitive skills including attention, control, and motor function. The conclusion is that the emotions associated with music and sound can facilitate memory retention. This fact yet poses another question- if music and emotions have this proven effect on memory retention, what other factors in a teaching environment can contribute to emotions and thereby memory and cognition?

Exercise and Diet at a Neurological Level

Regular exercise has been proven to reinvigorate the immune system, and even improve cognitive performance on elders. Allegedly, exercising can improve information processing as well as increase the hippocampal volume of the brain. This area is attributed to memory and learning, and a place where neurogenesis also takes place. Therefore, scientists are inclined to believe that exercise boosts neurogenesis maturation and also has the ability to enhance memory and learning.

So can energy metabolism influence neuroplastic capacity? Thats an absolute yes. The optimal combination of nutrients can be practical for enhancing cognitive performance as well as increasing health span. Some dietary choices could also show to have positive effects on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis- thereby regenerating and reinvigorating the brain.

Love as a determining factor to neuroplasticity

Neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaque accumulation are influenced by stress, whereas positive emotions reflecting love cause the contrary. Mindfulness meditation has become a prominent practice for people to relief stress and stimulate their mind. Mindfulness meditation is also associated with neuroplasticity, compassion, and kindness; promoting better sleep and therefore increased ability for learning. Love wraps all of these things together to deliver a positive influence on the brain.

Education and Neuroplasticity

Several research institutions are now basing their teachings off the neurocognitive foundations of learning, with neuroplasticity as a driving factor. The educational system, however, is one that continues to create and transmit knowledge and values from generation to generation. Personalized teaching and equity have long been neglected, therefore missing the optimization of learning.

Exploration in Education

So what can optimize learning?

An explorative approach could sure give it a shot!

An explorative teaching education would prompt students to learn via trail and error- an approach which contributes to neuroplasticity as well as the neurological pruning process. Through the process of shaping and reshaping communication networks, students can later be able to carry messages from and to the brain- thus enhancing learning.

To enhance learning, inquiry based learning should be promoted and enforced in the classroom. Applying an inquiry angle into instruction is capable of strengthening neuroplasticity. Practicing stress reducing techniques, creating engaging lessons, retaining attention and encouraging motivation are all practices that can also be incorporated to strengthen neuroplasiticity. A neuroplastic outcome is also a driver of dopamine release, which can contribute to good mental health.

Amongst the techniques that foster a neuroplastic development and good mental health, are the power of repetition and the "growth mindset". Both techniques can change the way students view their learning and hence the way they decide to zoom into their knowledge and understanding of concepts being learnt.

Contrary to that of promoting a "growth mindset" is over prompting. Over prompting can hinder learning and may also be deleterious to neuroplasticity. It is therefore important to note the difference between quantity, quality, and the effects it has on the rewiring of the brain.

Educational Research at the forefront of Neuroplasticity

Educational research aims to ease the difficulty students experience as part of the learning process. A good example of how research has impacted learning is that of the Fast ForWord program. This program was created to help children struggling with recognizing fast sounds . The program worked at training students to take in sound perception at a slower pace of words. With this technology, students with phonological and language deficits can now achieve grammatical comprehension and strengthen their neuroplastic abilities.

Beyond different neuroplastic abilities, teaching has an impact on cognitive development. Like it has been discussed throughout this post, all processes of neuroplasticity impact cognitive changes. Proliferation and maturation of the human brain are also highly dependent on the content being taught. As educators, it is important that lessons are adapted and personalized to the cognitive capacities of students. In order to reinforce effective and meaningful learning, student needs should be considered. Methodology of teaching is important in delivering effective knowledge.

Lastly, trust and comfort in the classroom are drivers of neuroplasticity. Ensuring that students feel accepted and that there is a positive environment around them engages norepinephrine and serotonin release, which overall contributes to the wellbeing of the human brain.

Years ago, the brain was seen as being a thought machine, however, today it's known that individuals are responsible for their own construction of networking pathways. Whether its through the adoption of formed habits or intentional training, rewiring of the brain can be undertaken just by thinking. It is important, however, to learn new skills in order to engage plasticity and maintain the brain in good shape.

Neuroplasticity can be enhanced and hindered in myriad ways, hence the importance of understanding how to foster learning and growth. Everyday calls for a different mindset and approach as to how the brain can be molded to be the healthiest possible.

Albert Einstein said that the same thing can't be done over and over with the expectation of obtaining the same results at the end. This is why as educators, it is necessary to look at things from a different perspective and create new approaches within the methodologies of education. Intervention in education is necessary, and a measure of competencies is decisive when it comes to the molding of brains.

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Learn. Explore. Trespass the boundaries

How will you mold your brain today?

Hope you are now more curious about the opportunity of rewiring and reshaping through the power of neuroplasticity!

Educate and mold.

Goodbye, Wonderers!

Sources

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