When we say that the brain is "plastic", we don't
talk about the polymers. Brain plasticity means that the brain is marvelously
responsive, adaptable and eternally changing. Its adaptations and changes occur
in response to the demands and pressures of the environment that it encounters.
We are literally remaking our brain and accumulating a trove of experiences and
memories, every minute of the day; everyday of the week; every month and every
year.
One important aspect of brain plasticity is the ability to
retain and store more specific memories. We talk too much of memories but where
are these memories stored? The storage of experience as memories is the
foundation upon which the brain builds its capacity to continually remodel
itself. Memory storage is carried out on the molecular level, and the synapse
is the workhouse for ensuring that memories are preserved for long periods of
time. Preservation of memories over the short term occurs because existing
synapses are strengthened.
Another important component of brain plasticity is the
concept of critical periods. These are relatively limited windows of
opportunity during which the brain can learn, change and develop. If the opportunity is not seized during the critical period, the window may close forever ( Don't worry too much as there are brain training methodologies to
open up the window). The concept has many important implications for building
better brains, for enhancing creativity and for education. Examining everyday
human life, inadequate environmental exposure results in failure to learn
something during the critical period.
One of the best ways to get a new perspective on things to
enhance this plasticity is to tackle a new field that you know little or
nothing about. We might own our own creativity to bridge across these new
disciplines. Many people have a secret longing to do something different from
the work that is their daily bread. If you have always wanted to try your hand
at painting or to master a foreign language, take the time and effort to do it.
Do it in depth and with a passion, for this is the only way that you will
really exercise your brain. Intense curiosity also aids this plasticity. This accelerates creativity. The seeds of creativity may be planted by nature but
nurture helps it germinate, flower and grow. Nature cannot be changed but
nurture is under our control.
We know that brain plasticity continues throughout life, and
that using the brain is good for it. Individuals can do more to exercise their
brains than they currently do, creating the possibility that they can slow
aging process and perhaps lessen their risks for degenerative brain diseases.
