We often think of our brains as being fixed, but they are anything but static. Your brain possesses an extraordinary ability called neuroplasticity, which allows it to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that your experiences, actions, and thoughts can literally shape the structure and function of your brain.
Understanding Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, isn’t just a fancy term — it’s a fundamental process that underlies learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries. It involves two key mechanisms:
Functional Plasticity: This is the brain’s ability to shift functions from a damaged area to other undamaged areas. For example, after a stroke, areas of the brain responsible for language may be damaged, but other regions can often step in to take over. Research has shown that intensive therapy and practice can help rewire the brain to restore function [1].
Structural Plasticity: This refers to the brain’s capacity to actually change its physical structure in response to learning and experience. This is why practising a skill consistently can lead to observable changes in the brain regions associated with that skill. For instance, studies have…
