What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity, frequently referred to as the brain’s “remodeling ability,” is comparable to an intellectual training program. Learning a new skill, like playing an instrument, can modify your brain in the same way that exercise can, by strengthening its connections and improving mental abilities. The ability of the brain to change in response to experiences in life is known as neuroplasticity. By developing new neurons or stronger connections between existing ones, the brain is able to adapt and evolve over time (Neuroplasticity, n.d.). Neuroplasticity promotes the development of new memories, skills, and talents as well as altered thought, behavior, and decision-making processes. This contradicts the long-held scientific belief that the brain stops developing after childhood and suggests that this can happen throughout an individual’s lifespan, improving the brain’s structure and moving functions to different parts of the brain.
Types of Neuroplasticity
Functional neuroplasticity and structural neuroplasticity are two different types of neuroplasticity. The brain’s ability for structural neuroplasticity, which includes modifying individual neurons (nerve cells), allows it to modify its physical structure as a result of learning. Functional neuroplasticity is the capacity of the brain to change and adjust the functional properties of neurons.
Factors behind neuroplasticity
Both intrinsic and external variables have the potential to cause the brain to rewire itself. Learning new skills, recovering from injuries, or dealing with neurological conditions are some of the situations that can cause changes in brain structure or function as a result of neuroplasticity. For instance, exercise can encourage neuroplasticity by releasing a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which allows the development of new synaptic connections and strengthens the signals which are sent from one neuron to another. In addition to these activities, being in a stimulating environment, having enriching conversations with other people, or even taking particular medicines that are known to reduce the symptoms of depression can trigger the release of BDNF (Neuroplasticity, n.d.).
Effect of music on neuroplasticity
Did you know the volume of the brain decreases slightly with age? Cognitive decline and problems with memory have been linked to decrease in grey matter. It has been proven that music stimulates the grey matter, which slows down this process of deterioration. A study by Marie et al, 2023 in 2023 discovered that practicing an instrument for six months or enrolling in music awareness workshops that include listening to music increases the volume of grey matter in particular brain regions and enhances working memory. These regions included particular portions of the left and right cerebellar hemispheres, as well as a few cerebral brain areas that are frequently linked to advanced cognitive abilities.
Music and its demonstrated benefits
According to a recent study (Skingly et al., 2016), participating in musical group activities can help people keep their physical and mental health at bay. For instance, performing an instrument has been linked to a decreased risk of dementia (Verghese et al., 2023). Stroke patients’ fine and gross motor skills may be enhanced by playing the drums and keyboard (Altenmüller et al., n.d.). Furthermore, Bittman et al., 2013 reported that creating music for fun may be helpful in altering the expression of genes associated with the stress response, which may even aid in the improvement of mental wellness. According to several other studies on the relationship between music therapy and the disease, patients with Parkinson’s have been found to benefit from music therapy in terms of improving their balance, gait speed, gait freezing, and mental health. Additionally, music-based therapies and musical creativity are powerful neurorehabilitation techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assumption of fixed brain growth is challenged by neuroplasticity. Recent research shows that the brain can continually change over the lifespan, allowing for customized interventions to enhance cognitive performance. It’s becoming clear that music can modify brain chemistry and foster cognitive development. In addition to changing cognitive aging, this information will encourage more extensive uses of neuroplasticity to enhance brain health across a range of populations. Both physical and emotional health can benefit from music-based therapy. A deeper understanding of neuroplasticity might be developed with further research and studies that focus on applications.
Kaira Jain
12th grade at Heritage International Experiential School, Gurgaon
About the author: I am Kaira Jain, a Grade 12 IB student at Heritage International Experiential School, Gurgaon. I am passionate about neuroscience and am currently studying Biology and Psychology. Recently, I authored a children’s book: My First Guide To First Aid, which aims to educate young minds about essential first aid through engaging stories. This book has been distributed by SCERT to 5,000 government schools in Haryana, amplifying its reach and impact. I aspire to delve deeper into neuroscience and medicine in the future.
