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Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This adaptability allows neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease, and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment. Essentially, it's the brain's way of rewiring itself to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and recover from damage

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Paired associative stimulation (PAS) can induce plastic changes in specific anatomical pathways in humans. The potential of PAS to enhance neuroplasticity and its implications for rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.

Ruge, D., Liou, L.M., and Hoad, D. (2012). Improving the Potential of Neuroplasticity. Journal of Neuroscience, 32(17), pp.5705–5706.Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0430-12.2012. [Accessed 08 Jan 2025]

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Improving the Potential of Neuroplasticity

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A fundamental principle of neuronal plasticity is that synchronous or asynchronous activity in neurons can lead, respectively, to strengthening or weakening of shared synapses ([Hebb, 1949][1]). [Buch et al. (2011)][2] asked whether paired associative stimulation (PAS) of interconnected areas of the

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Experience-dependent plasticity is the remodeling of the brain in response to unique life experiences. These changes are not linked to normal patterns of development and can occur throughout life, both during and outside of critical periods. They even happen in adulthood, as our brains are constantly changing in response to our experiences. For example, people who learn to play the violin show greater cortical development in brain regions controlling the left hand.

Wessel, L. (n.d.). The Plastic Brain. [online] www.brainfacts.org. Available at: https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/childhood-and-adolescence/2019/the-plastic-brain-092719. [Accessed 10 Jan 2025]

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The brain’s impressive capacity to adapt and remodel itself peaks in childhood.

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Voss, P., Thomas, M.E., Cisneros-Franco, J.M. and de Villers-Sidani, É. (2017). Dynamic Brains and the Changing Rules of Neuroplasticity: Implications for Learning and Recovery. Frontiers in Psychology, 8(1657). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01657. [Accessed 8 Jan 2025]

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Frontiers | Dynamic Brains and the Changing Rules of Neuroplasticity: Implications for Learning and Recovery

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A growing number of research publications have illustrated the remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize itself in response to various sensory experience…

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Neuroplasticity means that you can always create new paths. And this ability is necessary for learning,

personal growth, and building resilience.

It's not just about recovering from brain injuries.

It's about shaping your mind to adapt and thrive in the face of life's challenges.

Dr. Tracey Marks (2024). Neuroplasticity Explained: How to Rewire Your Brain for Mental Strength. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe3ndaTKjuM [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].

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The 3 Brain Strategies That *Actually* Rewire Your Mind (Neuroscience Explained)

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Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities, can boost the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neural growth and plasticity. Engaging in learning new skills, such as acquiring a new language or musical instrument, can also stimulate the brain. Playing certain video games is known to improve memory, spatial navigation, and problem-solving skills. Travelling and exploring new places can create new neural pathways, while mindfulness practices like meditation can enhance gray matter and promote change. Intellectual activities, such as reading and solving puzzles, keep the brain stimulated. Embracing novelty and continuously trying new things challenges the brain to adapt and form new connections. Additionally, getting quality sleep is crucial for consolidating new neural pathways and regenerating brain cells. Finally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other brain-healthy nutrients can support neuroplasticity, allowing your brain to remain flexible and adaptive. So, whether you take up a new hobby, travel to unfamiliar places, or simply change up your daily routine, you're giving your brain a workout that keeps it agile and ready to learn.

Plasticity Centers (2017). What is Neuroplasticity? YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWIagHUqD8A.

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In neurorehabilitation, several processes are involved to maximize recovery:

Synaptic Plasticity: Structural changes at the synapses, where neurons communicate, promote the growth of new synapses (synaptogenesis) or the elimination of old ones (synaptic pruning), consequently reshaping neural connections.

Dendritic Growth and Remodeling: The dendrites, which receive signals from other neurons, can grow new branches or reorganize existing ones, enhancing communication and functionality.

Axonal Sprouting: Injured axons can form new branches and create alternative pathways for neural signals, bypassing damaged areas and supporting functional recovery.

By understanding and applying the principles of neuroplasticity, healthcare professionals can develop effective, personalized rehabilitation programs that enable patients to recover and lead fulfilling lives

Herculano-Houzel, S. (2012). The remarkable, yet not extraordinary, human brain as a scaled-up primate brain and its associated cost. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(Supplement_1), pp.10661–10668. Available at :https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1201895109. [Accessed 10 Jan 2025]

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Role of Neuroplasticity in Neuro-rehabilitation

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Norman Doidge, MD. (n.d.). The Brain that Changes Itself. [online] Available at: https://normandoidge.com/?page_id=1259.

‌[Accessed 8 January 2025]

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The Brain That Changes Itself™ now available in over 100 countries, and in 27 languages including translations in Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese (traditional characters), Chinese (modern characters), Czech, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mongolian. Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish. Thai (forthcoming 2021) and Turkish

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Your Brain on Learning

According to neurologist and educator Judy Willis (and suggested by a research-rich chapter in the second edition of Developmental Psychopathology, among many other publications), neuroplasticity is defined as the selective organizing of connections between neurons in our brains.

This means that when people repeatedly practice an activity or access a memory, their neural networks -- groups of neurons that fire together, creating electrochemical pathways -- shape themselves according to that activity or memory. When people stop practicing new things, the brain will eventually eliminate, or "prune," the connecting cells that formed the pathways. Like in a system of freeways connecting various cities, the more cars going to certain destination, the wider the road that carries them needs to be. The fewer cars traveling that way; however, the fewer lanes are needed.

Bernard, S. (2010). Neuroplasticity: Learning Physically Changes the Brain. [online] Edutopia. Available at: https://www.edutopia.org/neuroscience-brain-based-learning-neuroplasticity?utm_source=chatgpt.com [Accessed 10 Jan. 2025].

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Neuroplasticity: Learning Physically Changes the Brain

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How lessons and experiences can shape and grow your students’ brains over time.

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here are some ways to increase resilience:

Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can’t change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.

Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, a greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and heightened appreciation for life.

Nurture a positive view of yourself. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.

Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.

Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events in their life. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.

The Best Brain Possible. (2018). The Neuroscience of Building a Resilient Brain. [online] Available at: https://thebestbrainpossible.com/neuroscience-resilient-brain-stress/. [Accessed 10 Jan 2025]

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The Neuroscience of Building a Resilient Brain - The Best Brain Possible

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Having a resilient brain is about how well your brain handles stress. Developing resiliency is a neuroplastic process your brain can learn.

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