Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is a capability of the brain taht allows it to adapt by reshaping its connections and default patterns. It is an important evolved feature as it permits the brain to reconfigure its processes in response to unexpected situations. As we age this ability unfortunately degrades, however, it has been found that psychedelics can temporarily reopen the neuroplastic window.

Figure 1. Neuroplasticity Vs Age.

Figure 2. The fused brain

When young, humans are extremely neuroplastic (see Figure 1) meaning when an experience demands, it doesn't take much effort to change the brains default behaviour. Neuroplasticity declines as we age, leading to a more fused brain (see Figure 2). Recent studies have shown neuroplasticity can be temporarily improved by inducing pivotal mental states.

This decline in neuroplasticity was eloquently described in three points by Douglas Adams reflecting on our relationship with technology:

1. Anything that is in the world when you are born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
2. Anything that is invented between when you are fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
3. Anything invented after you are thirty-five is against the natural order of things.

Structure-Activity

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.

Caffeine

There is preliminary data highlighting that chronic caffeine use could limit learning or plasticity, including rTMS effectiveness.

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