Neuroplasticity Research Assignment Paper: The Brain Changes

Neuroplasticity
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Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain malleability or brain plasticity, is the process where the neural synapses and pathways of the brain are altered due to neural, environmental or behavioural changes (Cohen, Chen, & Celnik, 1999). The make up of the brain changes when provided with new information in order to retain that information. It is a continuous process that occurs as one learns and memorizes information but can also come about due to a physical trauma. In this case, neuroplasticity will serve as a mechanism of adaption to allow for the compensation for the function lost during the bodily injury (Cohen, Chen, & Celnik, 1999). It can also be maladaptive when it results in negative consequences such as a loss of function or increased injury (Nudo, 2006).
Research has shown that depression, chronic stress as well as other mood disorders may decrease neuroplasticity hence cause a reduction in the number of synaptic connections. This may lead to reduced chances of survival of cells in addition to decreased neural synapses efficiency. However, some antidepressant medications and treatments have been found to increase neuroplasticity. As Alain Brunet explains, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is based on memory. The treatment for this condition is based on trying to decrease the strength of the particular memory causing the trauma.
The treatment, therefore, requires the patient to try and recall the memory under the influence of a medication that that blocks the storage of that specific memory to long-term. The memory is degraded as a consequence an...