Experience-dependent structural plasticity in the adult human brain.
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Experience-dependent structural plasticity in the adult human brain. / May, Arne.
In: TRENDS COGN SCI, Vol. 15, No. 10, 10, 2011, p. 475-482.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Experience-dependent structural plasticity in the adult human brain.
AU - May, Arne
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - Contrary to assumptions that changes in brain networks are possible only during crucial periods of development, research in the past decade has supported the idea of a permanently plastic brain. Novel experience, altered afferent input due to environmental changes and learning new skills are now recognized as modulators of brain function and underlying neuroanatomic circuitry. Given findings in experiments with animals and the recent discovery of increases in gray and white matter in the adult human brain as a result of learning, the old concept of cognitive reserve, that is the ability to reinforce brain volume in crucial areas and thus provide a greater threshold for age-dependent deficits, has been reinforced. The challenge we face is to unravel the exact nature of the dynamic structural alterations and, ultimately, to be able to use this knowledge for disease management. Understanding normative changes in brain structure that occur as a result of environmental changes and demands is pivotal to understanding the characteristic ability of the brain to adapt.
AB - Contrary to assumptions that changes in brain networks are possible only during crucial periods of development, research in the past decade has supported the idea of a permanently plastic brain. Novel experience, altered afferent input due to environmental changes and learning new skills are now recognized as modulators of brain function and underlying neuroanatomic circuitry. Given findings in experiments with animals and the recent discovery of increases in gray and white matter in the adult human brain as a result of learning, the old concept of cognitive reserve, that is the ability to reinforce brain volume in crucial areas and thus provide a greater threshold for age-dependent deficits, has been reinforced. The challenge we face is to unravel the exact nature of the dynamic structural alterations and, ultimately, to be able to use this knowledge for disease management. Understanding normative changes in brain structure that occur as a result of environmental changes and demands is pivotal to understanding the characteristic ability of the brain to adapt.
KW - Adult
KW - Humans
KW - Neuronal Plasticity
KW - Cognition
KW - Brain/anatomy & histology
KW - Aging/psychology
KW - Learning
KW - Nerve Net/anatomy & histology
KW - Adult
KW - Humans
KW - Neuronal Plasticity
KW - Cognition
KW - Brain/anatomy & histology
KW - Aging/psychology
KW - Learning
KW - Nerve Net/anatomy & histology
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
VL - 15
SP - 475
EP - 482
JO - TRENDS COGN SCI
JF - TRENDS COGN SCI
SN - 1364-6613
IS - 10
M1 - 10
ER -
