Optimizing brain performance: Identifying mechanisms of adaptive neurobiological plasticity. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lambert, Kelly; Eisch, Amelia J.; Galea, Liisa A.M.; Kempermann, Gerd; Merzenich, Michael
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 105(2019)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Optimal functions -- Neuroplasticity -- Emotional resilience -- Enriched environment -- Cognitive reserve -- Neural reserve -- Affordances; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: Neural processes interact with dynamic environments to generate adaptive functions. Neural plasticity is differentially influenced by individual and context specific variables. Targeted training enhances adaptive neuroplasticity across the lifespan. Abstract: Although neuroscience research has debunked the late 19 th century claims suggesting that large portions of the brain are typically unused, recent evidence indicates that an enhanced understanding of neural plasticity may lead to greater insights related to the functional capacity of brains. Continuous and real-time neural modifications in concert with dynamic environmental contexts provide opportunities for targeted interventions for maintaining healthy brain functions throughout the lifespan. Neural design, however, is far from simplistic, requiring close consideration of context-specific and other relevant variables from both species and individual perspectives to determine the functional gains from increased and decreased markers of neuroplasticity. Caution must be taken in the interpretation of any measurable change in neurobiological responses or behavioral outcomes, as definitions of optimal functions are extremely complex. Even so, current behavioral neuroscience approaches offer unique opportunities to evaluate adaptive functions of various neural responses in an attempt to enhance the functional capacity of neural systems.