He brain It has the ability to establish extremely fast and multiple chemical and electrical connections. He is considered the most complex and enigmatic organ of the human body. Someone who dedicated his entire life to studying it is the internationally renowned neurosurgeon Giulio Mairaconvinced that the longevity It starts with the mind.
Until a few decades ago, it was believed that the brain, once it had passed the stage of development, remained static and that the only possible change was associated with aging or deterioration caused by neurodegenerative processes, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
But now anatomist scientists already know that it is not a static organ, because the brain is continually molded and renewed. «This process is possible thanks to one of the most important gifts that nature has given us: neuroplasticidad, the ability toOur brain continually grows throughout our liveseven with advancing age,» explained Maira, in dialogue with the Corriere della Sera.
«Every time a new experience is acquired«Every time you learn something, the synaptic system is ready to change, create new connections and form new circuits between different areas of the brain,» said the neurosurgeon.
Maira, who is also the former director of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, a renowned hospital in Rome, Italy, highlighted the importance of support in the early stages of life, where the brain is developing.
The brain in early childhood
At birth, the human brain is not prepared for the complex functions that it will develop, including the neuroplastic characteristic, which is based on communication between brain cells.
«Growth depends largely on learning processes, every time we listen to something that interests us, read a book, visit a museum, something moves within our brain circuits, new neuronal branches and new synapses develop, the brain grows and new knowledge is formed«Maira explained.
It turns out that the phenomenon of Neuroplasticity is at its peak during the early stages of lifewhen learning is voracious.
«It is a time when the brain can be described as a true ‘open construction site’with connections between neurons that are formed at an extraordinary speed,» Maira defined.
«The words of our parents, the caresses, the affection, the first games, the environment as a wholeeverything contributes to give physical shape to the brain and to its architecture, which will be the body of knowledge that each of us accumulates, which establishes our ‘cognitive reserve«he noted.
This brain stimulation process is unique to each human being. «The individual capacity to develop and expand, year after year, throughout our lives, our mental faculties, makes us unrepeatable entities,» he explained.
The enigma of neurogenesis
As the maturation processes progress, basic neural organization is established, existing circuits are consolidated, and the ability to create new connections decreases.
«The brain becomes more efficient, although at the cost of less malleability, and with the arrival of old ageplasticity tends to decrease even more, but it still has the potential to remain active,» remarked the brain health exponent.
The neurosurgeon assures that if we use our brain well and continue with healthy lifestyles, we can continue to grow it at all stages of life.
«Cognitive decline is not an inevitable destiny»he maintains. Numerous investigations have been carried out with animal species, mainly rodents, birds and primates, which have demonstrated the formation of new neurons, even in adulthood.
Although the phenomenon has not yet been definitively demonstrated in humans, the initial results are positive. A study recently published in the journal Naturecarried out in older people without cognitive deficits, detected newly formed neurons, in a minimal percentage, but present.
The objective of understanding how to activate and stimulate the mechanisms of neurogenesis is based on developing drugs or techniques capable of helping people with cognitive impairment.
Become friends with the brain
Neural plasticity is nourished by experience and knowledge, so there are some basic recommendations, such as spending time learning new concepts, interacting with ideas that stimulate the imagination, and cultivating various forms of art.
Some of those mentioned by Maira in the interview are the following:
- Reading: The stories told in fiction books allow us to indirectly experience the lives of other people, real or imaginary, get emotional and travel in time.
- The regular physical activity next to one balanced diet and a dream Sufficient and quality are also very important.
- spend time with friends and family generates emotions and helps preserve memory.
- Use your cell phone less: whenever we have the opportunity, put aside cell phones and try to rediscover words and narration, to reactivate memories face to face.
On the other hand, loneliness, depression, a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, lack of sleep, alcoholism and drug use are activities that hinder the brain’s ability to adapt in a healthy way and compromise its functioning.
The danger of «maladaptive plasticity»
Brain plasticity also has its dark side. There are conditions in which this characteristic of the brain predisposes the mind to certain disorders.
Just as it can promote the development of neural circuits that are reflected in positive moods and optimal functioning, neuroplasticity can become maladaptive.
In cases of severe anxiety, chronic pain and pathological addictions, special attention should be paid. «Plasticity is a neutral mechanism and, therefore, can help consolidate pathological circuits,» confirms Maira.
«In addictions, repeated stimulation of the dopaminergic system permanently modifies reward networks, making behavior compulsive, and circuits linked to fear or pain perception can be strengthened beyond what is necessary,» he added.
«The same thing that allows us to learn and survive can, under certain conditions, establish dysfunctional patterns; but precisely, as the brain is plastic, there is always the possibility of reorienting these circuits towards adaptive functioning, through therapy, rehabilitation and changes in lifestyle,» Maira concluded.
