plasticity

The brain’s capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life is a fundamental attribute. This ability allows the brain to compensate for injury and disease, and to adjust its activities in response to new situations or changes in the environment. For example, if an individual loses sight, the brain areas typically devoted to vision can be repurposed for other sensory functions, such as enhanced hearing or tactile discrimination.

This characteristic of the nervous system is vital for learning and memory. It allows individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, and to adapt to changing circumstances. Historically, it was believed that the brain was relatively fixed after childhood. However, research has demonstrated that the brain retains this capacity for modification throughout the lifespan, albeit to varying degrees. This discovery has profound implications for rehabilitation strategies following neurological damage, as well as for optimizing learning and cognitive function in healthy individuals.