Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change its default activity by modifying its connectivity. Humans when young are extremely neuroplastic (see Figure 1), declines throughout age to a point where thought patterns take a disportportionate amount of energy to change. This is pathological in a fast paced, ever changing world as adaption to new environments is reduced. Recent studies have shown neuroplasticity can be temporarily improved inducing types of pivotal mental states.

Figure 1. Neuroplasticity Vs Age.

The brain is neurochemical in nature, meaning it is part electric and part chemical. When these systems combine to provide brain function they work like hiking trails; the pathways 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.

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