CURRENT VIEWS ON NEUROPLASTICITY: WHAT IS NEW AND WHAT IS OLD?

Abstract

The main aim of the paper is to show that many previously forgotten discoveries within the field of neuroscience own their rediscovery and renaissance to the refinement of tools provided by the technological advances. Most spectacular is the advancement of brain imaging techniques, which provide hard data that support for evidence for previously neglected presumptions and ideas. Neuroplasticity is an example of such a long ignored historical discovery. One reason for that neglect is that it stood in contradiction to beliefs and theories prevailing at the first half of the twenties century. The idea of neuronal plasticity is not disputed any longer since it has found confirmation not only in a dramatic development of neuroimaging but also in the advancement of neurobiology. Most authors concentrate upon neuronal plasticity, recent studies, however, have produced a wealth of information regarding neurogenesis, in which astrocytes have proved to play a significant role. The significance of adult neurogenesis for learning and memory and for treatment of depression is outlined. Moreover, it was observed that neuroplasticity benefits patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who undergo effective, evidence-based treatment. Convincing examples of brain plasticity brings also clinical practice, which often unveils the appearance of hitherto hidden artistic abilities in people who have suffered from brain damage. In addition, the possibilities of altering the brain functions by mental force alone are discussed. Thus, the paper reveals that many “controversial” ideas were confirmed by contemporary studies forcing changes in a traditional view on brain works.