Definition: The brain and nervous system's ability to change in response to experience.
Importance: Essential for learning, adapting, and improving health.
Understanding Neuroplasticity
Terms: Neuroplasticity = Neuroplasticity.
Function: The nervous system rewires itself in response to experiences (both negative and positive).
Developmental Plasticity
Occurs from birth until approximately age 25.
Characterized by:
Over-connection at birth forming a messy wiring system.
Pruning of connections that do not serve well through development.
Significant changes can involve trauma or joyous events.
Changes After Age 25
Neuroplasticity processes shift after age 25, requiring conscious efforts to make changes.
"Fire together, wire together" concept applies less after age 25.
Key Mechanisms Of Change
New Neuron Generation: New neurons added largely occurs in infancy and early childhood, with limited evidence in adults (mostly in the olfactory bulb).
Strengthening Connections: Neural connections can be strengthened (what we remember) and connections lost (what we forget).
The Process of Learning and Neuroplasticity
Alertness: Changes occur when chemicals are released in response to high alertness.
Attention and Recognition: Awareness of what needs to be changed is crucial for neuroplasticity.
Key Neurotransmitters Involved
Epinephrine
Released when alert, increases neuronal activity.
Acetylcholine
Amplifies signals; must also be present for neuroplasticity.
Practical Applications
Engage with the Material: Focus sharply on material to help your brain process it.
Learning Sessions: Structured learning sessions of about 90 minutes work best.
Non-Sleep Deep Rest: Taking short breaks can help enforce learning.
Sleep: Deep sleep reinforces what was learned.
Effective Learning Strategies
Aim for high alertness via healthy lifestyle choices: sleep, hydration, and potentially caffeine.
Encourage visual focus over multiple sensory stimuli.
Techniques for reducing distractions: lock away devices, modify environment to maintain focus.
Distinction Between Learning and Passive Engagement
Passive learning from media may flood the system with dopamine, without reinforcing cognition; be aware of your consumption habits.
Summary and Future Discussions
Neuroplasticity is a lifelong ability, but access and application change with age.
Next episodes will expand on neuroplasticity in relation to movement practices, habits, and the science behind acquiring new skills.
Closing Remarks
Encourage questions/comments for future episodes.
Request subscription on YouTube and ratings on Apple/Spotify.