#synaptic plasticity

[thedaily-beer]

Mother Earth Synaptic Plasticity Hazy IPA (Picked up at Windmill Farms). A 3 of 4. Nice orange citrus and some faint herbal notes behind it, with some candy fruit notes, too. Quite juicy and light-bodied, with reasonably high carbonation. Solid.

[ghostoflostsplendor]

Yes I strongly suspect it's related to the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton! Very important in connective tissues as well as in synapse formation. While working on my Bachelor's degree I actually came across a research paper linking a cytoskeleton protein to troubles with behavioral flexibility and autism risk genes. It's on fruit flies tho, so we will see if it translates to humans. That same protein activates an enzyme which breaks down collagen.

Alternatively/additionally, I wonder if it could be related to mast cells. MCAS is a common comorbidity with hypermobility, and mast cells are in our brains as well as in connective tissues. They could definitely explain the GI issues, those are common in allergies and MCAS after all.

comorbid disorders are either like "yeah ok, makes sense" or "what the fuck"

adhd and autism having a high comorbidity rate? yeah checks out

adhd and autism both having high rates of comorbidity with hypermobility and GI issues? thats an evil curse

[medicomunicare]

AP-1: a keymaster FOStering the JUNction among several tissues by wERKing on the MAPk

AP-1: ID and biological functions AP-1 (Activator Protein-1) is a transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating gene expression involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and stress response. AP-1 is a protein complex composed mainly of members of the Fos (c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2) and Jun (c-Jun, JunB, JunD) protein families,…

[aeontimaeuscrux]

Cognitive Pruning

Definition: Cognitive pruning is a cognitive phenomenon in which the human brain selectively eliminates or weakens less relevant or less frequently accessed memories and information to make room for the retention and consolidation of more important or frequently used knowledge and experiences. It is an adaptive process that helps optimize memory resources and prioritize information based on its significance and utility.

Cognitive Pruning aligns with the concept of “Epistemic Relevance” in epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge and belief. Epistemic relevance explores how individuals determine which information is relevant to their beliefs and understanding of the world. Cognitive pruning can be seen as a practical manifestation of this philosophical concept, as it reflects the brain’s innate ability to discern and prioritize information deemed relevant to one’s cognitive processes.

“In the labyrinthine meadows of memory, the mind becomes an efficient gardener, trimming away the overgrown vines of trivial recollections to nurture the blooming roses of knowledge. Cognitive pruning, the brain’s art of forgetting, is the sculptor of our mental landscape, ensuring that the most meaningful and useful memories take root and flourish.”

-Me. Today. Just Now

[arsonfae]

letting highschoolers take college math classes is great bcs they can learn the material and pass the classes, they just use to make jokes like “the nearest positive co-terminal angle of pi/3 😏”, “the crest of 34.5+34.5sin(.1x)😏😏😏😏😏😏”

[wtf-scientific-papers]

[Nitric oxide and synaptic plasticity: NO news from the cerebellum]

Vincent, 1996

[i-write-hurt-not-comfort]

in the defence of Ruki Mukami - why Ruki's trauma has just as much influence on his actions as everyone else

i am sitting in the chemistry library at uni right now and am going to spend my time on the most useless task ever to avoid doing anything impactful. please don't take this too serious because i can't write meaningful character analyses.

so i've seen a ton of stuff around, because i know Ruki's not one of the best loved characters in the western fandom. well, of all the characters, i see nearly the most Ruki hate. and obviously everyone is entitled to their opinions, whatever. but what DOES bother me is the reason.

a lot of people say that Ruki's trauma doesn't correlate to his actions, or explain abusive behaviour in the same way that the other characters' do. and i would die for Ruki and we know this, but i've thought about it a lot and i have a Theory as for why some people seem to view his character this way. (i have also studied neuroscience at degree level and learnt about trauma and synaptic plasticity)

to summarise for those who perhaps haven't read all the games (my sources for all this is basically Ruki's MB, DF, and LE), Ruki was born as an only-child in Romania to a rich family, and his father was revealed to be a politician during the Ceaușescu period in Romania. they had a lot of servants, all of whom Ruki learnt from a young age to abuse. he admired his father very much and looked up to him, and his mother was good to him and was close to his father. it would seem like a very good, perfect family - although i'll briefly discuss later why this wasn't necessarily the case.

unfortunately, in the DL universe lore, Karlheinz and Ceaușescu were buddy-buddy politicians, and Ruki's father was eventually chased out of his position. during his downfall, Ruki's father became an alcoholic and began abusing Ruki's mother, verbally and physically. Ruki saw a lot of this as well: somebody he looked up to, admired and trusted, becoming an abusive monster in a very short period of time. i think that's part of why Ruki overlooks Karlheinz's crimes and sees him as a good father anyway.

not only that, Ruki's mother - once again somebody who nurtured and cared for him - turned out to be having an affair. and shortly after that, his father committed suicide: something Ruki actually walked out on.

that in itself is a lot more traumatic than i think people consider. a lot of the DL characters have long-term trauma, but intense sudden trauma, such as your "perfect" life falling apart due to an alcoholic, abusive father killing himself and his mother having an affair, has similar psychological impact. remember, these are people who were supposed to care and nurture him, he trusted them a lot, and they both abandoned him abruptly in very extreme ways. that's the number 1 root of Ruki's trust issues. he's been seen to cut Yui off entirely because he's scared of becoming his abusive father.

similarly, living in a "perfect" household as a spoiled only child can be inherently traumatic. i don't know about you guys, but i've met some (only some, not the majority) of very, very emotionally constipated spoiled only-children. a lot of children showered with materialistic affection are missing key emotional maturity developments. their outlook on life is very narrow and they lack the emotional components of attachment; this is part of why Ruki is quite emotionally immature.

not only that, but growing up as an abusive sociopath to "lower" members of society such as servants is a form of abusive on his parents' behalf. they did not teach him proper world awareness. some children are born as psychopaths etc, true, but the majority of "sociopaths" (diagnosed as ASPD) are that way because they were not taught remorse as a child. Ruki would've learnt to treat his servants that way because that was how his parents did (and we see his father being a dick to the servants in LE too i think), and that in itself is inherently traumatic too.

imagine then, with very little capacity for remorse or a concept of societal hierarchy, being thrown into an orphanage. Ruki is a dick to everyone, yes, but the shock of having everything you know challenged suddenly and without explanation or support is going to cause further trauma. i think people just don't like to consider the fact that a lot of "sociopaths" (again, ASPD is the correct label there) were victims too. he went from being the "master" to being "livestock" and that's going to very rapidly alter your young brain chemistry, entering a "master" mindset as a defensive mechanism. that's why he gets angry/upset/confused when it's challenged.

Ruki has a fuck ton of PTSD as well - he's the only character who i've seen literally throw up MULTIPLE TIMES when experiencing flashbacks.

but i think people generally know that, perhaps not thinking about it as deeply. my Theory as to why people don't seem to see this as being as "extreme" as the other boys' trauma goes further than that.

diabolik lovers follows this dynamic between the Sakamaki's vs Mukami's, whereby Yuma, Kou and Azusa (Yuma and Kou more strongly) have this mindset of "the Sakamaki's can't have trauma because they were rich" and obviously as readers, we're supposed to be like "um, no, the Sakamaki's can have trauma too" because they do.

with that said, Kou and Yuma do successfully get to Subaru/Laito and Shu's heads respectively with this narrative. especially Subaru and Shu who get really fixated with this "i was a spoiled, privileged kid" and because of that, naturally we, as readers, lean towards feeling sorry for the Mukami's especially.

obviously, Ruki is the odd one out when it comes to the Mukami's. he had a sheltered upbringing whereas the other brothers were fighting for their lives in poverty/on the streets, victims and witnesses of the civil war and orphan crisis. Yuma particularly pushes this "Ruki had it easy" notion too, and i've definitely noticed that a lot of people who don't particularly like Ruki tend to fall towards that.

this idea of "not enough" trauma has enough to unpack as it is and we won't do that to, but personally i think that all of Ruki's abusive actions are justified. no, they are not an excuse. none of the diaboys' behaviour is excusable, but i think Rejet did quite a good job of giving them enough fucked up backstory to make us as readers at least understand why that might be how they act.

and from what i see, it seems to be Ruki who people think is the exception to this the most, because his trauma isn't in the same vein as the rest of the Mukami's. the "rich people can't have trauma" narrative gets pushed so hard that i think people forget 1) it isn't true and 2) Ruki went through a ton of fucked shit as a kid, and i don't think any of his actions made me feel any differently than the other diaboys' awful behaviour towards Yui.

you can find Ruki boring, not interesting, or just not your type. but he very, very much has "sufficient" trauma to explain his toxic and dominating actions. thank u for coming to my TedTalk.

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 44, 2024

The role of the human hippocampus in decision-making under uncertainty. Attaallah, B., Petitet, P., Zambellas, R., Toniolo, S., Maio, M. R., Ganse-Dumrath, A., … Husain, M. (2024). Nature Human Behaviour, 8(7), 1366–1382.

Modeling hippocampal spatial cells in rodents navigating in 3D environments. Aziz, A., Patil, B. K., Lakshmikanth, K., Sreeharsha, P. S. S., Mukhopadhyay, A., & Chakravarthy, V. S. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 16714.

Anterior cingulate cortex provides the neural substrates for feedback-driven iteration of decision and value representation. Chen, W., Liang, J., Wu, Q., & Han, Y. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 6020.

Firing rate adaptation affords place cell theta sweeps, phase precession, and procession. Chu, T., Ji, Z., Zuo, J., Mi, Y., Zhang, W., Huang, T., … Wu, S. (2024). eLife, 12, e87055.4.

Non-Hebbian plasticity transforms transient experiences into lasting memories. Faress, I., Khalil, V., Hou, W.-H., Moreno, A., Andersen, N., Fonseca, R., … Nabavi, S. (2024). eLife, 12, e91421.3.

Gaze-centered gating, reactivation, and reevaluation of economic value in orbitofrontal cortex. Ferro, D., Cash-Padgett, T., Wang, M. Z., Hayden, B. Y., & Moreno-Bote, R. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 6163.

Modulation of alpha oscillations by attention is predicted by hemispheric asymmetry of subcortical regions. Ghafari, T., Mazzetti, C., Garner, K., Gutteling, T., & Jensen, O. (2024). eLife, 12, e91650.3.

Contributions of cortical neuron firing patterns, synaptic connectivity, and plasticity to task performance. Insanally, M. N., Albanna, B. F., Toth, J., DePasquale, B., Fadaei, S. S., Gupta, T., … Froemke, R. C. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 6023.

Consequences of eye movements for spatial selectivity. Intoy, J., Li, Y. H., Bowers, N. R., Victor, J. D., Poletti, M., & Rucci, M. (2024). Current Biology, 34(14), 3265-3272.e4.

Prediction error determines how memories are organized in the brain. Kennedy, N. G., Lee, J. C., Killcross, S., Westbrook, R. F., & Holmes, N. M. (2024). eLife, 13, e95849.3.

Neural Representation of Valenced and Generic Probability and Uncertainty. Kim, J.-C., Hellrung, L., Grueschow, M., Nebe, S., Nagy, Z., & Tobler, P. N. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(30), e0195242024.

Selective consolidation of learning and memory via recall-gated plasticity. Lindsey, J. W., & Litwin-Kumar, A. (2024). eLife, 12, e90793.3.

A synergistic workspace for human consciousness revealed by Integrated Information Decomposition. Luppi, A. I., Mediano, P. A., Rosas, F. E., Allanson, J., Pickard, J., Carhart-Harris, R. L., … Stamatakis, E. A. (2024). eLife, 12, e88173.4.

Memorability shapes perceived time (and vice versa). Ma, A. C., Cameron, A. D., & Wiener, M. (2024). Nature Human Behaviour, 8(7), 1296–1308.

Mixed Representations of Sound and Action in the Auditory Midbrain. Quass, G. L., Rogalla, M. M., Ford, A. N., & Apostolides, P. F. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(30), e1831232024.

Neural activity ramps in frontal cortex signal extended motivation during learning. Regalado, J. M., Corredera Asensio, A., Haunold, T., Toader, A. C., Li, Y. R., Neal, L. A., & Rajasethupathy, P. (2024). eLife, 13, e93983.3.

Using synchronized brain rhythms to bias memory-guided decisions. Stout, J. J., George, A. E., Kim, S., Hallock, H. L., & Griffin, A. L. (2024). eLife, 12, e92033.3.

Cortical plasticity is associated with blood–brain barrier modulation. Swissa, E., Monsonego, U., Yang, L. T., Schori, L., Kamintsky, L., Mirloo, S., … Friedman, A. (2024). eLife, 12, e89611.4.

Structural and sequential regularities modulate phrase-rate neural tracking. Zhao, J., Martin, A. E., & Coopmans, C. W. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 16603.

An allocentric human odometer for perceiving distances on the ground plane. Zhou, L., Wei, W., Ooi, T. L., & He, Z. J. (2024). eLife, 12, e88095.3.

[elicathebunny]

NEUROPLACISITY IN DEPTH.

(The content isn't mine but all complied into one big post, links are connected to the sources)

How do I re-wire my subconscious?

You re-wire your subconscious mind using NEUROPLASTICITY.

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It involves the strengthening or weakening of existing neural pathways and the development of new synapses.

This means you can re-wire your subconscious by building NEW PATHWAYS that become STRONGER than the old ones

I'd like you to start with understanding the importance of BDNF - Brain-derived neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a vital protein for neuroplasticity, acting as a linchpin in the adaptive processes of the brain. It supports facilitating synaptic plasticity through mechanisms like long-term potentiation (LTP) and fostering the formation of new synapses. You can increase your body's BDNF by:

Engage in regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities, to significantly increase BDNF levels and promote neuroplasticity.

Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish and flaxseeds to support elevated BDNF production.

Prioritize adequate and quality sleep, as insufficient sleep has been linked to decreased BDNF levels.

Implement stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to positively influence BDNF secretion.

Breathwork and meditation are great options.

Understand the importance of regulating your nervous system - You must be able to regulate your nervous system to build neuroplasticity. This is because neuroplasticity may be hindered when the body is in a heightened state of stress or arousal (sympathetic dominance), characterized by increased heart rate and elevated cortisol levels. Breathwork and meditation are an incredible way to do this. Psych central

Take new routes: Every new experience has the potential to enhance your brain’s ability to change. Travelling, for example, can help. Our brains are forced to stop auto-piloting in an unfamiliar environment like a new city. Research from 2013 shows that novelty and challenges can enhance cognitive function. So, technically, you don’t have to leave your town to promote brain plasticity. Consider finding alternative routes to your daily commute. Try that new coffee shop or restaurant around the corner. Go around your desk in the opposite direction that you typically do.

Move: A 2018 literature reviewTrusted Source showed that physical exercise can promote neuroplasticity in general. Activity is beneficial for many different regions of the brain and affects various aspects of cognitive function, including memory and learning. This might be helpful for people facing major or mild cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. In sum, exercising may help you slow the cellular ageing process and enhance your overall brain health.

Practice meditation: Studies show that long-term meditation practiceTrusted Source can change the function of the brain. Specifically, mindfulness practice can enhance focus and attention and prevent cognitive declineTrusted Source.

Learn a new skill: The relationship between learning and neuroplasticity is twofold. Learning new things enhances brain plasticity, and because of the brain’s ability to adapt to change, you’re able to learn. In this sense, every time you learn something, you benefit from neuroplasticity and promote it. Research backs this up. A 2021 study, for example, suggests that learning a new skill, such as Braille language, can promote neuroplasticity and enhance its benefits. Other examples include learning to: - use your non-dominant hand - speak a new language - play a new instrument - paint or draw - code computers - do puzzles

[fluffydice]

If I ever wrote from Akechi’s point of view the best thing about it would be that even his inner dialogue would be him infodumping or knowing things about very specific interests, so I wouldn’t have to confine myself to the knowledge that “this character wouldn’t care nor know about synaptic plasticity :(“ because Akechi just might

[science-lover33]

Delving Deeper into Neuron Anatomy and Brain Functionality (Part 2)

Welcome back, Tumblr enthusiasts! In Part 1, we took our first steps into the neuron and brain universe. Now, let's journey further into their astonishing anatomy and intricate physiology. 🌌💡

Now that we've dived even deeper into the neuron's inner workings and explored more brain regions, I hope you're as captivated as I am by the wonders of neuroscience. Continue to feed your curiosity and stay tuned for more brainy adventures! 🧠

Neuron Anatomy (Continued)

Myelin Sheath: Wrapped around many axons, this fatty insulating layer is like the neuron's protective armor. It speeds up the transmission of electrical signals by allowing them to "jump" from one gap in the myelin sheath, called the Nodes of Ranvier, to the next. Think of it as a high-speed neural highway.

Schwann Cells and Oligodendrocytes: These specialized cells produce the myelin sheath. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells individually wrap around axons. In the central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes extend processes to multiple axons, forming myelin sheaths around them.

Sensory and Motor Neurons: Neurons aren't one-size-fits-all; they come in different shapes and sizes. Sensory neurons (afferent) bring sensory information from your body and surroundings to your brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons (efferent) carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands, allowing you to move and react.

Neuron Physiology (Continued)

Neurotransmitters: These chemical messengers are the key to communication between neurons. When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These molecules bind to receptors on the neighboring neuron, initiating or inhibiting a new electrical signal, depending on the neurotransmitter type.

Synaptic Plasticity: Neurons can change the strength of their connections through a phenomenon called synaptic plasticity. This allows us to adapt and learn. Two important types include long-term potentiation (LTP), which strengthens synapses, and long-term depression (LTD), which weakens them.

Brain Functionality (Continued)

Thalamus: Often called the "relay station," the thalamus acts as a switchboard, directing sensory information (except for smell) to the appropriate regions of the cerebral cortex for further processing.

Hypothalamus: This small but mighty structure regulates many essential functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the body's internal clock (circadian rhythms).

Frontal Cortex: Located in the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex, this region is responsible for higher cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, reasoning, and personality.

Temporal Lobes: These are crucial for auditory processing and memory. The hippocampus, nestled deep within the temporal lobes, is essential for forming new memories.

References

Purves, D., et al. (2017). "Neuroscience." Sinauer Associates, Inc.

Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2012). "Principles of Neural Science." McGraw-Hill Education.

[maaarine]

What Is Synaptic Pruning? (Jacquelyn Cafasso, Healthline, Sep 18 2018)

"Synaptic pruning is a natural process that occurs in the brain between early childhood and adulthood. During synaptic pruning, the brain eliminates extra synapses.

Synapses are brain structures that allows the neurons to transmit an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron.

Synaptic pruning is thought to be the brain’s way of removing connections in the brain that are no longer needed.

Researchers have recently learned that the brain is more “plastic” and moldable than previously thought.

Synaptic pruning is our body’s way of maintaining more efficient brain function as we get older and learn new complex information. (…)

This rapid period of synaptogenesis plays a vital role in learning, memory formation, and adaptation early in life.

At about 2 to 3 years of age, the number of synapses hits a peak level. But then shortly after this period of synaptic growth, the brain starts to remove synapses that it no longer needs.

Once the brain forms a synapse, it can either be strengthened or weakened.

This depends on how often the synapse is used. In other words, the process follows the “use it or lose it” principle: Synapses that are more active are strengthened, and synapses that are less active are weakened and ultimately pruned.

The process of removing the irrelevant synapses during this time is referred to as synaptic pruning. (…)

Unlike research into schizophrenia, which theorizes that the brain is “over-pruned,” researchers hypothesize that the brains of people with autism may be “under-pruned.”

Theoretically, then, this under-pruning leads to an oversupply of synapses in some parts of the brain.

To test this hypothesis, researchers looked at brain tissue of 13 children and adolescents with and without autism who passed away between ages 2 and 20.

The scientists found that the brains of the adolescents with autism had a lot more synapses than the brains of neurotypical adolescents.

Young children in both groups had roughly the same number of synapses.

This suggests that the condition may occur during the pruning process.

This research only shows a difference in synapses, but not whether this difference might be a cause or an effect of autism, or just an association.

This under-pruning theory may help explain some of the common symptoms of autism, like oversensitivity to noise, lights, and social experiences, as well as epileptic seizures.

If there are too many synapses firing at once, a person with autism will likely experience an overload of noise rather than a fine-tuned brain response."

[teine-mallaichte]

Day 17 @whumpmasinjuly-archive : What has been your most recent whump obsession?

Sleep deprivation!

As someone with schizoaffective disorder, and so have a fair bit of experience with (hypo)manic episodes, in the hypomania I am often still somewhat aware of the situation and can go for days, week, on only an hour of two's sleep a night. I can even trigger mania by not sleeping - this made uni fun… As such sleep is a complex thing for me, something I forever struggle with but somehow have to obtain. So maybe that's why the concept fascinates me… but just think about it... Ever wonder what happens when you push your limits and stay awake for too long?

First 24 Hours:

Cognitive Function: Your attention, alertness, and concentration start to falter. Reaction times slow, and problem-solving skills take a hit.

Mood: Expect irritability and mood swings. Emotional regulation becomes a bit of a mess.

Physical Effects: Notice tired eyes, constant yawning, and a growing sense of fatigue.

1-2 Days (24-48 Hours):

Cognitive Decline: Your memory gets shaky, and decision-making becomes even tougher.

Physical Health: Your immune system takes a hit, making you more prone to infections.

Mood and Behavior: Increased moodiness, anxiety, and stress. You might even start feeling a bit paranoid or aggressive.

2-3 Days:

Cognitive Impairment: Severe disorientation and hallucinations can kick in.

Physical Effects: Coordination and motor skills drop. Overall physical performance declines.

Sleep Deprivation Psychosis: Some might experience delusions and severe psychosis symptoms.

3-7 Days:

Brain Function: The frontal lobe (for executive functions) and limbic system (emotions) are severely impacted.

Health Risks: Chronic sleep deprivation can worsen physical health issues like hypertension and diabetes.

Emotional and Mental Health: Persistent mood swings, severe anxiety, and depression set in. Cognitive function is heavily compromised.

Beyond 1 Week:

Cognitive and Emotional Health: Long-term risks include serious cognitive impairments and mental health disorders.

Physical Health: More severe conditions like metabolic disorders and weakened immune function can develop.

Fun Fact: The record for staying awake without sedatives is 11 days! 🤯 Imagine what they went through to achieve this!

Also, I studied the brain for years, and anything that effects it kind of fascinated me... so, on that topic, I'm going to leave you with a bit of a (very much cut down but if you want anything expanding just ask) science dump: Cognitive Function and Brain Structures:

Frontal Lobe: Handles decision-making and impulse control. Sleep deprivation impairs this, leading to poor judgment.

Hippocampus: Essential for memory. Lack of sleep messes with memory formation and consolidation.

Amygdala: Manages emotions. With sleep deprivation, it becomes hyperactive, increasing stress and emotional instability.

Neurotransmitters & Neurochemicals:

Cortisol: Rises with sleep deprivation, ramping up stress and anxiety.

Serotonin & Dopamine: Imbalances can lead to mood swings and depression.

Adenosine: Builds up during wakefulness and promotes sleep pressure. Too much leads to a “sleep rebound” effect.

Neural Connectivity & Brain Systems:

Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis: Sleep helps balance synaptic connections. Deprivation disrupts this, affecting learning and memory.

Brain Plasticity: Sleep is crucial for brain reorganization. Lack of it impairs this ability.

Default Mode Network (DMN): Disrupted by sleep deprivation, making introspection and self-reflection difficult.

Reward System: Deprivation can mess with pleasure and risk-taking behaviors.

Whumpmas In July 2024 posts

[medicomunicare]

Cholesterol in brain network: how does its presence affects health or neurodegeneration?

Cholesterol in brain health and disease Cholesterol is found in the cell membranes of all human cells. It plays an integral role in neuronal signaling and synaptic connections, especially in the brain. Notably, the brain contains between 20-25% of all the body’s cholesterol reserves, making it the organ with the highest cholesterol concentration in the human body. Interestingly, peripheral…

[bpod-bpod]

Fuse and Rewire

Mitochondria (the energy-source organelles of a cell) fusing in newly developing neurons in adulthood plays a key role in synaptic plasticity – the strengthening and weakening of connections between neurons that underlies memory formation

Read the published research article here

Image from work by Sandra M.V. Kochan and colleagues

Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial – NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Published in Neuron, April 2024

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[brainanalyse]

When Does Your Brain Stop Developing

The human brain, an organ of unparalleled complexity, undergoes a lifelong journey of development. This voyage, marked by significant milestones, extends well beyond the often-quoted age of maturation. To comprehend the nuances of brain development, it is crucial to delve into the intricate processes that govern the evolution of our cerebral faculties.

The Early Years

The genesis of brain development occurs in the womb, with the formation of neural structures commencing as early as the third week of gestation. By birth, an infant’s brain has already undergone an extraordinary phase of growth, laying the groundwork for future cognitive and sensory experiences. During the initial years of life, the brain is highly plastic, rapidly forming synaptic connections at an astonishing rate. This period, characterised by heightened neuroplasticity, is fundamental for acquiring language, motor skills, and basic cognitive abilities.

The synaptic density in a child’s brain peaks around the age of three, surpassing that of an adult. This phenomenon underscores the significance of early childhood experiences, which profoundly shape neural pathways. Environmental stimuli, social interactions, and early education play pivotal roles in sculpting the brain’s architecture during this critical window.

Adolescence

Adolescence heralds a transformative phase in brain development, marked by a fine-tuning of neural networks and the establishment of more efficient pathways. This period is characterised by the pruning of excess synapses, a process that refines the brain’s circuitry based on experiential input. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, undergoes significant maturation during this stage.

The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is a time of substantial vulnerability and opportunity. The brain’s reward system, particularly sensitive to dopamine, drives risk-taking behaviours and the pursuit of novel experiences. This neurobiological backdrop can elucidate the heightened emotional intensity and exploratory tendencies observed in teenagers.

Early Adulthood

Contrary to the once-prevailing belief that brain development ceases in early adulthood, contemporary research suggests that significant changes continue well into the third decade of life. The maturation of the prefrontal cortex, for instance, extends into the mid-20s. This ongoing development enhances an individual’s capacity for abstract reasoning, strategic planning, and complex problem-solving.

During early adulthood, the brain also undergoes a process of myelination, whereby axons are insulated with a fatty substance called myelin. This enhances the speed and efficiency of neural communication, facilitating the seamless integration of diverse cognitive processes. Consequently, young adults experience improvements in cognitive control, working memory, and emotional stability.

Midlife

Neurogenesis, the production of new neurons, persists into adulthood, albeit at a reduced rate compared to earlier stages of life. This ongoing neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus, supports learning and memory functions. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities, physical exercise, and maintaining social connections can foster neurogenesis and mitigate age-related cognitive decline.

The brain’s capacity for plasticity, although diminished with age, remains significant throughout midlife. Cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to adapt and compensate for potential damage, is bolstered by lifelong learning and mental engagement. Therefore, maintaining an active and enriched lifestyle can contribute to sustained cognitive health and resilience.

Later Adulthood

In later adulthood, the brain continues to adapt, albeit with notable changes in its structural and functional integrity. While certain cognitive faculties such as processing speed and episodic memory may decline, others like vocabulary and accumulated knowledge often remain robust. The brain exhibits a remarkable ability to reorganise and rewire itself in response to new challenges, a testament to its enduring plasticity.

Emerging research highlights the potential for cognitive training, mindfulness practices, and social engagement to support brain health in older age. Such interventions can enhance neural connectivity, promote emotional well-being, and sustain cognitive functions.

Conclusion

The notion that brain development concludes at a specific age is an oversimplification. Instead, brain development is a dynamic, lifelong process influenced by genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. From the rapid synaptic proliferation of early childhood to the subtle refinements of later adulthood, our brains continuously evolve, adapt, and learn.

Understanding the trajectory of brain development underscores the importance of nurturing cognitive health at every stage of life. By fostering environments that stimulate intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and social connection, we can optimise our brain’s potential and enhance our overall well-being.

FAQs

1. Can adults increase their brain capacity? Yes, adults can increase their brain capacity through activities that promote neuroplasticity, such as learning new skills, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining social connections.

2. Does the brain continue to develop after the age of 25? Yes, the brain continues to develop and adapt throughout adulthood. While the prefrontal cortex fully matures around age 25, other areas of the brain remain plastic and can change in response to new experiences.

3. How does stress affect brain development? Chronic stress can negatively impact brain development, particularly in areas involved in memory and emotional regulation. It can lead to the shrinkage of the hippocampus and reduce the production of new neurons.

4. What role does sleep play in brain development? Sleep is crucial for brain development and overall brain health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and removes toxins. Poor sleep can impair cognitive functions and hinder brain development.