Principles of Neuroplasticity

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Introduction to Neuroscience: Principles of Neuroplasticity

Overview

  • Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt.
  • The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions and logic, influencing self-identity.
  • The brain operates through iterative feedback loops for movement, vision, and learning.
  • Plasticity is driven by focused attention, novelty, and neurotransmitters.

Prefrontal Cortex and Neuroplasticity

  • Prefrontal lobes (DLPFC) regulate emotions and impulse control.
  • The prefrontal cortex interacts with the limbic system to modulate emotional responses.
  • Depression is associated with reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Motor System and Feedback Loops

  • Movement planning: The supplementary motor area initiates planned movement.
  • Proprioception: Sensory feedback confirms proper movement execution.
  • Cerebellum and parietal lobes integrate motor commands with body image perception.

The Role of Vision in Brain Function

  • Vision is dominant due to its importance in survival.
  • Contrast and grouping principles explain aesthetic preferences.
  • Dopamine rewards novelty and contrast, enhancing learning.

Neural Algorithms and Visual Perception

  • The brain is wired to detect patterns and outlines.
  • Superstimuli: Exaggerated stimuli (e.g., bold colors, patterns) excite brain circuits.
  • The brain shortcuts perception to maximize efficiency.

Principles of Neuroplasticity

  1. Use it or lose it – Unused neural connections are pruned.
  2. Neurons that fire together wire together – Repeated activity strengthens connections.
  3. Novelty enhances plasticity – New experiences stimulate rewiring.
  4. Attention and focus drive learning – Acetylcholine is essential for neuroplasticity.
  5. Dopamine enhances motivation and reinforcement.
  6. Growth factors like BDNF promote synaptic growth.

Critical Periods and Language Learning

  • Children’s brains are highly plastic, allowing them to absorb new languages easily.
  • The critical period for language acquisition lasts until around age 8-12.
  • Synesthesia may result from insufficient neural pruning, causing sensory overlap.

Experimental Evidence of Neuroplasticity

  • Hubel & Wiesel’s cat studies:
  • Vision deprivation in early life led to permanent blindness.
  • The visual cortex reorganized to favor the active eye.
  • Brain surgery and cortical mapping (Penfield’s studies):
  • Somatosensory and motor maps show topographical organization.
  • Neural real estate is competitive, reallocating space based on use.

Neurotransmitters and Plasticity

  • Acetylcholine (Attention System):
  • Released during focused learning.
  • Triggers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key growth factor.
  • Dopamine (Pleasure & Motivation System):
  • Drives learning through anticipatory excitement.
  • Increases motivation and engagement with novelty.
  • Endorphins (Calm and Satisfaction System):
  • Associated with long-term bonding and fulfillment.
  • Balances the dopamine-driven reward system.

Neuroplasticity in Action

  • Learning new skills (e.g., playing an instrument) expands cortical representation.
  • Long-term expertise leads to efficiency – neurons become more effective, requiring less space.
  • Cognitive competition: New learning may replace old skills if not reinforced.
  • Walking enhances neuroplasticity through dopamine-driven environmental anticipation.

Neuroplastic Interventions & Treatments

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used for Parkinson’s to reactivate dormant neurons.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Modulates activity in brain regions, used in depression treatment.
  • Behavioral therapies (e.g., exposure therapy for OCD) leverage neuroplasticity to retrain responses.

Conclusion

  • Plasticity is life-long but most potent in youth.
  • Attention, repetition, and emotion are key to rewiring the brain.
  • The next lecture will explore Neuroplasticity in Therapy, focusing on interventions and clinical applications.
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