Neuroplasticity

 Noun

1. The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections , especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.

"neuroplasticity offers real hope to everyone from stroke victims to people with dyslexia"

We semicentennials grew up in the “now or never” age.  Like the Elvis Presley song.  Learn it now or forever do without.  Dad’s voice still reverberates telling me I had to learn the piano before the age of 10 , or I might never be able to.  He was very strict about it.   No blame.  Just the thinking of those times.    Dad then went on to live with me in Australia, bless him, when I did my AMEB Higher level Piano exams Grades 1-8 at age 43-47.    Willingness won hands down.  ​Neuroplasticity is one of the most hopeful terms I’ve learnt after 50.   It gives me immense confidence and hope for what is yet to be.   It motivates me to be a lifelong learner.  To pursue , to excel , to never give up.   To even learn about website building and begin this blog .  

All I know is keep those neurons firing and they stay fired.  Keep them idle and dull, and they rust. 

​Medical Definition of neuroplasticity : the capacity of the brain to develop and change throughout life, something Western science once thought impossible. — Time, 8 May 2006
 
         Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections, to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping. Examples of neuroplasticity include circuit and network changes that result from learning a new ability, environmental influences, practice, and psychological stress.
         Neuroplasticity was once thought by neuroscientists to manifest only during childhood, but research in the latter half of the 20th century showed that many aspects of the brain can be altered (or are "plastic") even through adulthood.  However, the developing brain exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brain.  Activity-dependent plasticity can have significant implications for healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage
Definition of Neuroplasticity (medicinenet.com)

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