Dr. Amy Jo Marcano-Reik
Guest columnist Dr. Amy Jo Marcano-Reik, Ph.D., teaches on faculty at Baldwin Wallace University (her undergraduate alma mater) and John Carroll University. She is pursuing her M.D. degree through Northeast Ohio Medical University-Cleveland State University Partnership for Urban Health, and was awarded the Forest City Enterprises Scholarship. She recently published the book, Brain and Spinal Cord Plasticity: An Interdisciplinary and Integrative Approach for Behavior, Cognition and Health.
Many of us have heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” However, it appears that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks, thanks – in part – to brain plasticity. Plasticity is the “plastic” ability of the brain to change and mold in response to experience, which includes new information and sensations, such as touch and taste.
For example, every time a child learns a new word or experiences a new flavor of ice cream, the child’s brain changes; brain cells fire, pathways connect, structures develop, and, eventually, preference develops. Perhaps the child likes the pistachio-flavored ice cream, and that becomes part of their “taste repertoire.” And, perhaps, after a number of training sessions, the “old dog” (finally) learns to roll over.
But how does brain plasticity apply to older individuals?
Science has come a very long way. There are actually methods by which plasticity can be “reactivated” and even promoted at any age across the entire lifespan. This is incredible news, especially considering the fact that brain functions, such as learning and memory, tend to naturally decline with age.
As the “baby boomer” generation ages, the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association estimate that in the United States alone nearly 14 million individuals over the next few decades will be diagnosed with cognitive dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research published in Neurobiology of Aging notes the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every 5 years of life after age 60.
According to a study published in Neuropsychology, one effective way to slow the progression of cognitive dementia is to engage in intellectually and socially stimulating recreational activities. Individuals who maintain healthy diets, regular exercise, and engage in social interactions, have lower levels of dementia. This approach also has potential to prevent the development of other co-morbid conditions, such as depression.
How does the brain’s plasticity impact physical and mental health and wellness?
Health care would be remiss if the intersections between brain (i.e., neuroscience and biology) and mind (i.e., psychology and mental health) were not considered. A more detailed understanding of and appreciation for the ways in which biology underlies and contributes to more complex mental health processes is necessary.
A holistic approach to health care allows for this sort of consideration for multiple, complex factors that contribute to one’s health and wellness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s Strategic Plan, this is, in fact, the direction in which the pendulum is swinging.
Brain power: Harness the potential
The brain is not only made up of its structures, functions, and so on; the brain is much more complex and comprises all of this and more. Therefore, it is important to tap into the beneficial effects of plasticity to maintain physical and mental health and wellness.
Whether we try our hand at a new crossword puzzle, introduce a child to new music, or attempt to teach an old dog to fetch, we all have the ability to harness our brain’s plasticity and maximize our heath and wellness potential.
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