Neuroplasticity refers to the changes in neurons and neural connections as a result of experience. The experience can be physical (e.g., movement), mental (e.g., thinking), or spiritual (e.g., praying).
Neuroplasticity is a widely accepted theory in neuroscience that states the brain can change both structurally and functionally as a result of experience. These changes can happen at a cellular level and across broad regions of the brain.
The older neuroplasticity theory stated that the brain was fixed and that experiences only caused changes at a behavioral level. More recent research has found evidence for structural and functional changes in the brain as a result of experience, thus proving the newer theory correct.
This article will discuss how neuroplasticity can be used to your advantage to rewire your brain and rid yourself of bad habits.
Examples of neuronal pruning
The idea of neuronal pruning as a part of development has important implications for education. Since our understanding of the brain is still relatively rudimentary, there’s still much to learn about how experience influences the structure and function of the brain.
For example, it’s now understood that early exposure to music (such as listening to music and participating in music classes) can increase the thickness of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN), a part of the auditory system, in children up to age five.
This is due to the increased exposure to sound stimuli, which elicits response patterns in neurons that need to be processed by the brain.
In other words, because the child is exposed to more sounds (music) and has to process them, more neurons are activated and processed in their brains. More processing results in more thickness of MGN neurons.
Early exposure to music can also reduce anxiety later in life.
When does neuronal pruning occur?
Neuronal pruning occurs at various developmental stages. The most well-known period is during childhood development, when many neurons are eliminated as a result of the maturation of the brain.
However, this process also takes place in adults, although it’s less noticeable due to the already-mature state of the brain.
In fact, a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that adult neurogenesis — the production of new neurons — occurs in two areas of the brain: the hippocampus and the nerves associated with sex pheromones.
These new neurons appear as a result of exposure to new experiences, like taking up a new hobby or going back to school. This leads to increased neural activity and therefore more potential for neuron elimination via nonuse.[|]
When we experience something new, our brains react by producing new cells and activating existing cells in order to deal with this new experience.
Does neuronal pruning have any negative effects?
While neuronal pruning is generally considered an advantageous process, it can sometimes lead to the loss of functionality of certain neurons.
For example, in a 2003 study, researchers found that adolescent rats that were given alcohol for several weeks showed decreased responsiveness to sensory stimuli and movement abnormalities. These effects were most likely due to the pruning of certain neurons in the cerebellum, which controls motor function and cognition.
Adolescent rats are very similar to human adolescents in terms of brain development, making this study highly applicable. This is just one example of how neuronal pruning can have negative consequences.
Like we’ve mentioned before, your brain isn’t finished developing until you’re in your mid-20s. While it’s impossible to stop this process early, you can slow it down. Keep reading to find out how.
What can you do to prevent neuronal pruning?
The most common advice is to read, read, read! Reading has been proven to improve vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Reading also provides other benefits such as an increased awareness of world events and cultural knowledge. These skills will be greatly appreciated by employers during the job search process.
Reading for short periods of time each day is a good way to start making this advice a reality. Once you get into the flow of the story, it will become easier to pick up the pace.
Some people may have the impression that reading is a waste of time, but this isn’t true at all. On the contrary, this habit can have numerous benefits for both your mental and physical health.
Whether you’re an adult or a child, reading can have a positive effect on the structure of your brain and how you think. Given that there are so many books available these days, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Are there any techniques you can use to improve your brain function?
Yes! There are several ways you can improve your brain function, depending on what you think needs work. Some people find that working on specific skills helps them improve in other areas.
For example, if you find it hard to balance your checkbook, then learning how to do it well might take some time, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t have to worry about it for a while.
You will have learned a new skill that will become automatic. You will no longer have to devote energy to checking your balance or figuring out what you owe.
This sort of skill comes with time and repetition. You will soon learn how to do things smoothly and automatically. This applies to many tasks, including cooking recipes, doing exercises, and so on.
What are some strategies you can use to improve your brain health?
In this section, you’ll learn about some ways you can encourage your brain to stay fit and healthy. Some of these tips may seem simple, but they can make a big difference in your cognitive health!
Start with giving your brain a good foundation by getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Although these may seem like perks of life, they can severely damage your brain in the long run.
Sleep helps prepare your brain for the next day, so lack of sleep will only hurt your ability to think clearly. Alcohol and drugs negatively affect the amount of sleep you get, which again hurts your brain’s ability to function properly.
Next, try getting involved in new activities, asking questions, and taking part in conversations. These all help stimulate your brain by using existing neurons.
What foods should you eat to help keep your brain healthy?
Several nutritional factors have been linked to healthier brains. Some of these include fish, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although there is little doubt that these nutrients are important for overall health, their role in brain health is still being studied.
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish that contain DHA and EPA include salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
Vegetables contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that play a role in brain function. Carrots, for example, are rich in beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body. This nutrient helps keep the nerve cells in your brain healthy.
Other vegetables rich in B vitamins such as broccoli help maintain healthy nerve cells by supporting chemical reactions in the brain. Whether you cook them or eat them raw, broccoli is a must-have vegetable.
What should you avoid doing to keep your brain healthy?
Interestingly, the same lack of stimulation that can lead to neuron elimination can also be caused by various experiences.
These include participating in less stimulating activities, being in a quieter environment, and being in a less challenging environment.
Indeed, research has shown that children who attend elementary school for fewer years end up with lower IQs as adults.
The same effect is observed in animals; experiments have shown that intelligent animals with lower brain function develop more aggressive behavior due to the lack of stimulation.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to spend more time in the classroom or at work; rather, you should try to incorporate more physical activity into your day.
