Is Neuroplasticity Changes Good?
As we age, our brains undergo changes in structure and function. This process, known as neuroplasticity, is vital to normal brain development and learning. But what happens when neuroplasticity goes awry?
Recent research suggests that some forms of mental illness may be linked to abnormalities in neuroplasticity. For example, studies have found that people with schizophrenia have reduced levels of brain plasticity. This may explain why people with schizophrenia have difficulty learning and adapting to new situations.
Other research has shown that people with depression have increased levels of brain plasticity. This may be one reason why people with depression often find it difficult to break out of negative thought patterns.
So what does all this mean? It’s still too early to say for sure. But the emerging evidence suggests that abnormal neuroplasticity may play a role in some mental illnesses. This could lead to new treatment approaches that focus on correcting these abnormalities.