Understanding the inner workings of our brain has been a topic of interest for centuries. From the time of ancient Greece, the pioneers of science have tried to comprehend the complexities that exist within our most vital organ. Today, there is a growing interest in the informal study of the brain, and a recent field of neuroscience called neuroplasticity has emerged where science is focusing more on the intricacies of human brain development. As the name suggests, neuroplasticity is the ability of our brain to adapt, change and create new neural pathways.
Have you ever wondered why it’s more challenging to learn new things as you age? Or why you can’t seem to remember even simple things? The answer lies in the way our brain is wired. Our brain is made up of neurons, which are like building blocks that connect to each other through synapses or chemical signals. When we learn something new, or when we practice a new skill, our brain forms a new synapse. This new synapse is like a new connection that our brain creates. As we repeat the same skill or learn something repeatedly, the connection strengthens.
The informal study of our brain is essential for better understanding our brain’s plasticity. The informal study of the brain is not limited to just one scientific field, but it’s an interdisciplinary field that covers a range of topics from psychology to neurology. With this approach, scientists are beginning to unravel some of the mysteries of the human brain. Through these studies, we are now able to understand more about how our thoughts, feelings, and experiences shape the neural pathways in our brain.
One of the practical applications of neuroplasticity is neurofeedback. Neurofeedback therapy is a type of biofeedback therapy that uses real-time displays of brain activity to help individuals learn how to alter their brainwaves. In this process, the individual is hooked to a computer that monitors their brainwaves. As the individuals perform a task, they receive feedback on their brainwaves in real-time. This helps them to strengthen the areas of their brain that need to be activated for the specific task.
Another popular application of neuroplasticity is brain training. Similar to physical training, one can train their brain by performing specific exercises to improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Brain games like Lumosity and CogniFit are popular brain training apps that have been effective in improving cognitive abilities.
In conclusion, the informal study of the brain is an exciting field of neuroscience that is gaining more attention. It’s fascinating to learn how our brain is wired and how we can alter our neural pathways through neuroplasticity. While neuroplasticity is still a relatively new field, it has already opened up new paths for treating a range of neurological disorders like depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Understanding the brain’s possibilities can help us to unleash its full power.
