Neuroplasticity
⚫ Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change its default activity by modifying its own connectivity. ⚫ It is an important evolved feature as it enables the brain to rewrite its software as unforeseen circumstances arise. ⚫ As we age we this ability degrades psychedelics can reopen the neuroplastic window.
When young, humans are extremely neuroplastic (see Figure 1) meaning when an experience demands, it doesn't take much energy change default behaviour, this ability declines through age[1][2]. Recent studies have shown neuroplasticity can be temporarily improved by inducing of pivotal mental states via the use of psychedelics.
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.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Changes in plasticity across the lifespan: Cause of disease and target for intervention. Publish 10 April 2015, accessed on 3rd March 2022, via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392917/. Read an AI summary.
- ↑ Molecular aging of the brain, neuroplasticity, and vulnerability to depression and other brain-related disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. Volume 15, 2013 - Issue 1. Etienne Sibille Pages 53-65 | Published online: 01 Apr 2022. Accessed 19th Jun 2022 via https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/esibille