Neuroplasticity the science behind rewiring the brain
An expert panel will explore the science behind neuroplasticity and dispel common myths at a public forum at the University of Sydney on Wednesday 1 June.
Explainer: What is neuroplasticity?
鈥淣europlasticity refers to the biological changes that occur in the brain in response to a change in the real world or a new experience,鈥� said听, panel member and Head of the Regenerative Neurosciences Group at the University鈥檚 Brain and Mind Centre.
鈥淚t鈥檚 quite a complex concept but we see neuroplastic changes 鈥� often referred to as the brain 鈥榬e-wiring鈥� or forming new connections - occurring from experiences as simple as learning to juggle or practising yoga.鈥�
鈥淚t becomes important when the brain is under threat or stress from diseases like Alzheimer鈥檚 or a traumatic brain injury, because that鈥檚 when we can apply the principles of neuroplasticity to try and stimulate different parts of the brain to regain some of the functionality that has been lost.鈥�
The University鈥檚 is at the forefront of this field, with听听showing for the first time that interventions like computerised brain training or exercise therapy can induce changes in different regions of the brain. These findings could inform further development of dementia prevention programs in future.
However, Associate Professor Valuenzuela cautions against claims of miracle cures.
鈥淲hile it is a hugely exciting area of research and counters everything we thought prior to 20thcentury medical advances, we are still just starting to get a grasp on the scientific principles of neuroplasticity and how it can be used in conditions ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to mental health.鈥�
鈥淎nd it鈥檚 not a miracle cure 鈥� it can鈥檛 fix every disease or injury to the brain, so what our research aims to do it to understand it scientifically to the level that we can deliver interventions to the right patient, at the right time 鈥� just like we would any other medicine.鈥�
The expert panel form the University of Sydney includes:
- , Head of the Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Centre
- , Professor of Communication Disorders following Traumatic Brain Injury, Faculty of Health Sciences
- , Clinical Neurophysiologist and Physiotherapist, Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Health Sciences
- , Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Director of the Ageing Brain Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre
The event,听听is听part of the 2016听.