Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change its default activity in response to stimuli by reorganizing how it works by modifying its connectivity. Humans lose their neuroplasticity peaking at 35 years of age[1] (see figure 1) keep in mind this is a bell curve distribution (see figure 2) and recent studies have shown this can be reversed by types of shock.
The brain is neurochemical in nature, meaning it is part chemical and part electric. When chemistry and electrical systems combine they work like hiking trails the ones that get a lot of traffic get smoother and wider, with brush stomped down and pushed back. The neural pathways that sit unused grow over, becoming less likely to be used. Your brain uses the more accessible pathways as it takes lower energy to do so. In times of crisis of us all, people nimble on their feet are of paramount importance.
References
- ↑ Changes in plasticity across the lifespan: Cause of disease and target for intervention. Accessed on 3rd March 2022, via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392917/