Unleashing the Potential of Neuroplasticity in the Brain

The mind is a mysterious place. We know that it partially, if not completely exists within the structures of the brain. Philosophers have speculated for thousands of years on the correlations between the physical properties of the brain and the less tangible realms of thought. Science slowly is discovering the secrets of memory, emotion and motivation—they all exist within the physical realm of the body—brain. For some this shakes the sacred and disrupts the religious. For me, it just adds to the awe of human existence. We learn and create physical changes to our brains. In Science, we call the changing nature of our brain neuroplasticity.

Not long ago, when I first began studying psychology, a prevailing view of the irreplaceability of lost nerve cells dominated the field. However, this has changed dramatically over the last few decades. The study of neuroplasticity has exploded. Authors of a recent 2020 article in Human Physiology wrote:

“The process of developing ideas about the possibilities, types, and patterns of neuroplasticity is developing so rapidly that even published analytical reviews require significant additions” (Naryshkin et al., 2020).

What is Neuroplasticity?

Learning occurs in the physical structure of the brain. When we learn, neuronal connections form, weaken or dissolve.

Joseph LeDoux, a Professor of Science at New York University’s Center for Neural Sciences, explains: 

“Physiological plasticity is accompanied by axon branching and new synapse formation both during development and following learning” (LeDoux, 2003).

Lisa Feldman Barrett describes brain plasticity in more detail in her new book. Barrett wrote:

“Your brain is constantly under construction. Neurons die, and in some parts of the human brain, neurons are born. Connections become more or less numerous, and they become stronger when neurons fire together and weaker when they don’t” (Barrett, 2020).

In early development, an infant and young child’s brain are constantly in the process of change. The brain is constantly shaped by two processes “tuning and pruning.” Tuning is the strengthening of frequently used connections and pruning is allowing less used connection to die off. Barrett explains that pruning is essential for infant brains because “little humans are born with many more connections than they will ultimately use” (Barrett, 2020).

LeDoux reminds that although the extensive plasticity that is present in early life eventually stops, “our synapses do not stop changing, but remain subtly changeable by experience” (LeDoux, 2003). The underlying concept of neuroplasticity is that the brain is not static but rather is “dynamically changing and undergoes such changes throughout one’s entire life.” Our brains remain plastic, changing to experience through the entire course of our lives (Mundkur, 2005).

History of Neuroplasticity

A prominent Polish neurophysiologist and brain researcher, Jerzy Konorski (1903-1973) introduced the term “neuroplasticity” to describe the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to experience. He proposed that neurons that are repeatedly activated together form stronger connections, leading to lasting changes in the brain.

Konorski wrote:

“The problem of plasticity of the nervous system is almost an unexplored region for physiology, and research in this direction should yield valuable results” (Konorski, 1948).

Over the last 75 years, research on neuroplasticity has exploded.

The term neuroplasticity, introduced by Konorsky, is now used as a collective concept referring to the whole variety of changes in the structure and functions of the brain during life.

A. Naryshkin, I. V. Galanin, and A. Yu. Egorov wrote:

“The human brain contains about 86 billion neurons that have a different structure and organization, depending on their affiliation with certain structures or nuclei. By the age of three, each neuron forms over 15000 synaptic connections. All of them have a high neuroplastic potential, which provides the formation and activity of mental or neurological functions, and disruption of these processes leads to the development of various diseases of the central nervous system” (Naryshkin et al., 2020).  

Strengthening Neural Connections (Tuning)

Stumbling on a new concept intrigues curiosity and even leaves a small deposit in memory but a simple exposure to titillating information is not enough for full integration, we need more than a burst of insight to create lasting change.

In Unlocking the Emotional Brain, Bruce Ecker and Robin Ticic explain:

“The brain’s neural circuits are changed therapeutically through new experiences, not through cognitive insights alone” (Ecker & Ticit, 2012, p. 31). 

Integrating knowledge into improved behaviors requires persistence. We want full-body learning, carving new paths, and creating new bridges, not a momentary flash of, “Wow, that’s neat!” Similar experiences trigger the firing of many of the same groupings of neurons; the new experience closely resembling the past sends surges through the brain, calling forward past wirings, firing neurons, and provoking similar emotions.

A landmark study by Meaney and colleagues theorized:

“Early experience permanently alters behavior and physiology. These effects are, in part, mediated by sustained alterations in gene expression in selected brain regions” (Meaney et al., 2005).

What this means is that various stimuli from our internal and external environment can initiate biochemical processes that either activate or silence our genes.

Robert M. Sapolsky, Ph.D., professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, explains that research shows that “mothering style altered the on/off switch in a gene relevant to the brain’s stress response. Stimulating environments, harsh parents, good neighborhoods, uninspiring teachers, optimal diets—all alter genes in the brain” (Sapolsky, 2018).

Brain Structures Involved in Neuroplasticity

Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself throughout life by forming new neural connections. This remarkable capacity involves various neural structures and processes working in concert. Here are some of the key players:  

Synapses

• The primary site of plasticity: Synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs. Plasticity largely involves changes in the strength and number of these connections.
• Synaptic strengthening: Repeated activation of a synapse leads to increased efficiency of transmission between neurons, making communication faster and more effective. This is known as long-term potentiation (LTP).
• Synaptic weakening: Conversely, underuse of a synapse can lead to its weakening or elimination, a process called long-term depression (LTD).
• Synaptogenesis: The formation of new synapses is a crucial aspect of plasticity, especially during development and learning.
• Synaptic pruning: The elimination of unused synapses, which refines neural circuits and improves efficiency.

Neurons

• Dendritic growth: Dendrites are the branching extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons. Plasticity involves changes in the size, shape, and number of dendrites, allowing neurons to form new connections.
• Neurogenesis: The birth of new neurons, primarily in the hippocampus (involved in learning and memory) and olfactory bulb (involved in smell). While neurogenesis occurs throughout life, it is more prominent during development.

Glial Cells

• Supporting role: Glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, play a crucial role in supporting neuronal function and plasticity.
• Myelination: Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers and speeds up signal transmission. Plasticity can involve changes in myelination, improving the efficiency of neural communication.
• Synaptic modulation: Astrocytes can influence synaptic transmission by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters and providing structural support to synapses.

Brain Regions

• Cortex: The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, exhibits significant plasticity throughout life. Different cortical areas, such as the visual cortex, auditory cortex, and motor cortex, can reorganize in response to experience or injury.
• Hippocampus: This brain region is crucial for learning and memory and shows high levels of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
• Cerebellum: Involved in motor control and learning, the cerebellum also exhibits significant plasticity, particularly in response to motor skill acquisition.

Processes Involved

• Long-term potentiation (LTP): A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.
• Long-term depression (LTD): A weakening of synapses based on a lack of activity or different patterns of stimulation.
• Experience-dependent plasticity: Changes in neural connections that occur as a result of experience and learning.

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In summary, brain plasticity is a complex process involving multiple neural structures and mechanisms. Synapses, neurons, glial cells, and various brain regions all contribute to the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change throughout life.

Mindfulness and Brain Plasticity

Through mindfulness, we may discover that we have adapted defensive strategies that fail to improve our lives. Mindfulness activates different connections in our minds. Daniel Siegel wrote that focused attention can “mobilize neural circuits of self-regulation as the individual uses awareness to modulate the ‘internal constraints’ of the brain” (Siegel, 2020).

Mindfulness is a form of self-directed neuroplasticity. Controlled neuroplasticity refers to the intentional and directed use of techniques and interventions, such as mindfulness, to promote specific changes in the brain. It’s about harnessing the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself to achieve desired outcomes, such as learning new skills, recovering from injury, or improving cognitive function.

The practice of mindfulness meditation has been associated with increased cortical thickness in the brain, particularly in areas related to attention, interoception (the perception of internal bodily states), and sensory processing (Berkovich-Ohana et al., 2020; Soriano et al., 2024).

Associated Concepts

• Behavioral Neuroscience: This field investigates the relationship between brain function and human behavior, combining insights from biology and psychology. It explores how neural mechanisms influence emotions, cognition, and actions through diverse methodologies.
• Epigenetics: This is the study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Factors such as environmental conditions, lifestyle, and aging can influence various changes in gene expressions.
• The Differential Susceptibility Theory (DS): This theory explores the interplay of genes and environment, challenging fixed vulnerability notions. It highlights individual plasticity, suggesting people respond differently to positive and negative experiences.
• Reciprocal Gene-Environment Model: This model suggests that a person’s genetic makeup can influence the likelihood of encountering certain environments that trigger mental health issues, creating a reciprocal relationship between genes and the environment.
• Diathesis-Stress Model: This theory proposes that individuals have underlying vulnerabilities for mental disorders, and their manifestation depends on stressors. This interaction between genetics and environment can explain the development of disorders such as depression.
• Exposome (Nature and Nurture): This concept explores how genetic predispositions and environmental factors interact to influence behavior and mental health.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

By recognizing triggering events and mindfully choosing alternate responses, we begin to create new neuronal connections. Slowly, we establish new habitual responses. Over time, a new grouping of neuronal firings is initiated by the old triggering event; but now the new automatic response is beneficial and in line with where we want to go. In Thomas Hebb’s immortal words, “cells that fire together, wire together.”

We can rewire our brain through mindful attention, acting in ways that are uncomfortable and new, awkwardly at first, but automatic in time. As we practice, the hard-wiring (the brain plasticity) transforms our lives. Basically, we learn and our brain changes. We literally become a new person—kind of.​

* Previously published as Changing Brain Structures

Last updated: December 9, 2025

Resources:

Barrett, Lisa Feldman (2020) Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN-10: 035864559X
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Berkovich-Ohana, A., Furman-Haran, E., Malach, R., Arieli, A., Harel, M., & Gilaie-Dotan, S. (2020). Studying the precuneus reveals structure–function–affect correlation in long-term meditators. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 15(11), 1203-1216. DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsaa137
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Ecker, Bruce; Ticic, Robin; Hulley, Laurel (2012). Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Eliminating Symptoms at Their Roots Using Memory Reconsolidation. Routledge; 1st edition. DOI:10.4324/9780203804377; APA Record: 2012-30913-000; ISBN-10: 0415897173
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Konorski, Jerzy (1948). Conditioned reflexes and neuron organization. Cambridge University Press. APA Record: 1950-03074-000
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LeDoux, Joseph (2003). Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are. Penguin Books. ISBN-10: ‎0142001783
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​Meaney, M.; Szyf, M. (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation: life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2), 103-123. DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2005.7.2
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Mundkur, Nandini (2005). Neuroplasticity in children. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 72(10), 855-857. DOI: 10.1007/BF02731115
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Naryshkin, A.; Galanin, I.; Egorov, A. (2020). Controlled Neuroplasticity. Human Physiology, 46(2), 216-223. DOI: 10.1134/S0362119720020103
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Sapolsky, Robert (2018). Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. Penguin Books; Illustrated edition. ISBN-10: 1594205078
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Siegel, Daniel J. (2020). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. The Guilford Press; 3rd edition. ISBN-10: 1462542751; APA Record: 2012-12726-000
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Soriano, J., Rodriguez-Larios, J., Varon, C., Castellanos, N., & Alaerts, K. (2024). Brain–Heart Interactions in Novice Meditation Practitioners During Breath Focus and an Arithmetic Task. Mindfulness, OnlineFirst, 1-15. DOI: 10.1007/s12671-024-02431-5
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