What Is Experience Dependent Neuroplasticity?
Experience dependent neuroplasticity is a process by which the brain changes in response to experience. This includes changes in both the structure and function of the brain. Neuroplasticity is a broad term that can refer to any type of change in the brain, but experience dependent neuroplasticity specifically refers to changes that occur as a result of experience.
There are many factors that can influence experience dependent neuroplasticity. For example, learning new information or skills can lead to changes in the brain. Even just paying attention to something can cause changes in the brain. In fact, any type of experience that alters the way we think or behave can lead to experience dependent neuroplasticity.
One of the most well-known examples of experience dependent neuroplasticity is London taxi drivers. Studies have shown that London taxi drivers have larger hippocampi than other people. The hippocampus is the part of the brain associated with navigation and spatial memory. This difference in size is thought to be due to the fact that taxi drivers need to have a very good understanding of the city in order to do their job effectively.
Experience dependent neuroplasticity is thought to be one of the main ways that the brain maintains its flexibility and adaptability. It allows the brain to change and adapt in response to new experiences and demands. This type of neuroplasticity is also thought to play a role in recovery from brain injury.