Written by Jewel Myo Sein
1.1 What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, is the ability of the nervous system to change its activities in response to certain situations ranging from learning or experiencing an injury. Developing brains exhibit a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brains.
1.2 Different types of neuroplasticity
There are 4 main forms of neuroplasticity
Homologous area adaptation
Cross-modal reassignment
Map expansion
Compensatory masquerade
Homologous area adaptation
Homologous area adaptation is the assumption of a particular cognitive process by a homologous region in the opposite hemisphere. This concept highlights the brain's ability to reorganize as well as redistribute tasks across different regions to minimize the impact of injury or changes, contributing to the recovery of functions affected by injury in the brain. This adaptation may involve changes in neural connectivity, recruitment of similar regions, or enhancement of already existing pathways to accommodate the loss of a particular function.
Homologous area adaptation is present in tasks such as language processing, motor functions, auditory functions and so on…
Cross-modal reassignment
Cross-modal reassignment is the introduction of new inputs/commands into a part of the brain that is deprived of its main sensory processings. Cross-modal reassignment highlights the brain's ability to adapt to changes or deprivation in sensory inputs, redistributing its resources to maximize sensory processing and compensate for sensory loss.
Cross-modal reassignment is present in tasks for example; in cases of blindness, the visual cortex of the eye may reorganize to process touch sensations or auditory inputs.
Map expansion
Map expansion is the flexibility of brain regions growing and changing as one’s self grows older and learns new information. In sensory map expansion, repeated stimulation or increased use of a particular sense (touch, vision, or hearing) can cause an expansion of the cortical area devoted to processing that specific sensory input. Map expansion demonstrates the brain's ability to reorganize its neural representations based on experience, practice, or sensory input, resulting in the growth of specific brain regions dedicated to processing or controlling particular functions. This plasticity allows the brain to adapt and optimize its structure to accommodate increased demands or changes in sensory/motor functions.
Such examples of map expansions are equipped in day-to-day lives by Braille readers, athletes, musicians, and even bilingual individuals.
Compensatory masquerade
Compensatory masquerade is when the brain comes up with a plan B solution for carrying out a task when the initial plan could not be executed due to an impairment. These compensatory measures do not completely address the core issue. Instead, they temporarily ease the problem or cover it up, allowing an individual to function seemingly normally despite an impairment. Compensatory masquerade can be both adaptive and deceptive. While it allows individuals to continue functioning (to some extent) despite an impairment, it may also delay the identification of the underlying problem since the compensatory strategies might cover up the obvious signs of impairment.
Some examples of compensatory masquerade are brain injuries, neurological disorders and visual impairment.1.3 Importance of NeuroplasticityNeuroplasticity is one of the brain’s most important properties. It helps us learn and adapt to different tasks and environments that are key for our survival and comfort. It helps us form new memories and rehabilitate us when recovering from an injury or trauma. As we grow older our brain ages with us and neuroplasticity is there for us so we can store new information and keep old ones as we go on with life. Understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity are essential for optimizing cognitive function, recovery from brain injury, fostering learning, and developing effective interventions for various neurological conditions. It covers the brain's ability to adapt, rewire, and reorganize throughout life in different circumstances.1.4 The Future of NeuroplasticityThe future of neuroplasticity holds exciting possibilities across various fields of work due to ongoing advanced research and technology.
Scientists are currently in the works of electromagnetic simulations penetrating the brain to modulate neural activity. But this work is still in its preliminary stage.
Some more predictable up and coming stages could be personalized therapies for specific neurological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases or traumatic brain injuries. Another one could be the invention of BCIs (Brain-Computer Interfaces) for better accessibility towards individuals with disabilities to control devices/prosthetics using their thoughts.
1.5 Conclusion
The world of neuroplasticity is a vast sea of knowledge with so much information to discover throughout the advancement of technology. As we continue this journey of discovery, the introduction to neuroplasticity marks the beginning of exploration into the dynamic and evolving nature of our most extraordinary organ—the brain.
Citations
Santiago, A. L. C. M. A., de Oliveira, L. A. B., Meireles, L. R., & Dornelles, R. C. M. (2018). Physical exercise and cardiovascular prevention: A review of the benefits in different stages of life. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia, 110(1), 75–82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667473/
"Neuroplasticity." (n.d.). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/neuroplasticity/Cross-modal-reassignment
Gupta, A., & Singla, R. (2011). Role of subtypes in neuroplasticity. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Neuroscience, 77(1), 33–37. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3086401/
Verywell Mind. (n.d.). What Is Brain Plasticity? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886
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