Myths and Realities of Brain Plasticity

When we talk about brain plasticity, we’re referring to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize its neural connections based on our experiences and learning. This phenomenon is crucial for human development and adaptation, allowing the connections among the billions of neurons in our brain to be modified throughout our lives. Dr. Enrique Noé, the Director of Research at the Institute of Neurological Rehabilitation (Irenea) at Vithas Valencia Consuelo and Vithas Aguas Vivas hospitals, emphasizes that these changes are particularly significant when experiences are repeatedly encountered.

You may recall that to change a habit, it requires willpower and consistent daily efforts to help the brain automate this new behavior. This transformation is facilitated by neuronal plasticity.

Dr. Noé further explains that although many of these plastic changes are genetically programmed, forming the foundation for essential skills like speech and bipedalism, a significant portion of them is driven by exposure to environmental stimuli. This process is fundamental to learning, as it involves strengthening the neural networks that support our knowledge. But does this capacity for change have limits? It seems it does.

"The brain does possess a remarkable ability to reinvent itself," Dr. Noé states, "but this capacity is not limitless."

He points out that brain plasticity is most intense during the first few decades of life, particularly in early childhood when the brain is highly receptive to new experiences. These changes generally culminate in adolescence, affecting the areas of the brain responsible for self-control and emotional regulation.

On the other hand, Dr. Joan Ferri, the General Director of Irenea at Vithas Valencia Consuelo and Vithas Aguas Vivas hospitals, and a member of the Vithas Neuroscience Institute, notes that even though brain plasticity diminishes in adulthood and old age, the brain retains the capacity to adapt and change in response to new experiences. However, factors such as aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain injuries can limit this ability, slowing or hindering the activation of neural networks during the learning process. Despite these limitations, it’s essential to stay mentally active throughout life to maximize the brain’s adaptive capacity.

We also wonder whether all brains exhibit the same level of neuronal plasticity. Dr. Francisco Mira, a neurologist and co-director of NeuroHealth, the specialized Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit at Vithas Hospitals in Alicante, clarifies this. He highlights that there are differences in brain plasticity based on gender and age. Studies have shown that both men and women experience brain plasticity, but they do so in different ways due to hormonal and structural factors.

For example, men tend to have a larger cortical surface and greater variability in subcortical volume, while women show more consistency in neural activation during motor tasks. On average, this means that men generally have a more extensive cerebral cortex, which is responsible for functions such as thinking, perception, and memory. In contrast, women’s neural activation is more uniform and stable during motor tasks.

Regarding age, brain plasticity decreases with aging but does not disappear. It can be stimulated through physical exercise and learning new skills. Neuroimaging techniques have revealed that the integrity of white matter in the brain, which is essential for plasticity, is affected by aging but can improve with appropriate interventions.

Furthermore, Dr. Jorge Uriel Máñez, a neurologist at Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre, emphasizes that both genetics and epigenetics play vital roles in brain development and adaptability. Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression not encoded in the DNA sequence, regulated by factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. These are crucial for the early development of the nervous system and adult neuronal plasticity.

Alterations in the epigenetic machinery can contribute to neuropsychiatric conditions like autism and dementia.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and plastic brain, Dr. Jesús Porta-Etessam, president of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), emphasizes that protecting our health is about securing both present and future well-being. It’s not just about reacting to neurological diseases but fostering a culture of prevention from an early age to mitigate the impact by controlling or avoiding risk factors.

To this end, the SEN has compiled ten recommendations to maintain a healthy brain:

Engage in activities that stimulate brain activity, keeping your mind cognitively active. This can include reading, writing, playing board games, doing crossword puzzles, learning a new language, and staying curious.
Avoid being overweight and participate in regular physical activity, such as sports or daily walks of at least 30 minutes.
Steer clear of toxins like alcohol, tobacco, air pollution, and drugs.
Manage vascular risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as hypertension is a leading risk factor for some neurological diseases.
Foster social relationships to avoid social isolation, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Follow a balanced diet, avoiding excess animal fats, sugar, salt, and processed foods. A Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes, is highly beneficial.
Prioritize quality sleep and aim to get around 8 hours of rest daily.
Use digital devices and social media in moderation, as excessive use can impair concentration and lead to irritability and sleep disturbances.
Protect your brain from physical harm by consistently using seatbelts in vehicles and helmets during activities that necessitate them.
Reduce stress where possible and maintain a positive attitude. Laughter and humor can contribute positively to brain health.

Finally, it is crucial not to overlook the essential role of neurorehabilitation when facing acquired brain injuries or illnesses. Brain plasticity is fundamental in the rehabilitation of both acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Professionals in neurorehabilitation employ evidence-based techniques to address sequelae from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative diseases, aiding patients in regaining autonomy and improving their quality of life. Plasticity allows other areas of the brain to take over lost functions or compensate for damaged areas, helping to restore diminished skills, concludes Dr. Ferri, who also serves as the president of the Spanish Society of Neurorehabilitation.

For those interested in learning more about neurorehabilitation, you can read about its vital role in recovering functions after a stroke here.

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