Hello everyone, I wonder if I can get your thoughts on neuroplasticity. As I understand it, this is a new school idea that proposes a brain of any age to be highly malleable; in effect, completely negating all previous thought of how the brain is structured and functions.

Since I am relatively new to the field of Neuroscience, I have a couple questions I am hoping to have answered here. First of all, do you believe in this idea of a malleable brain and why or why not? Secondly, how has the idea of a fixed brain dominated the line of thought, as there seems to be literature promoting the idea of a plastic brain? And thirdly, why is plasticity just now becoming the next big thing and how can we use these findings to promote well being in patients such as stroke victims or other forms of brain damage?

I am still young and intend to become a neurologist or some variation thereof. As a result, my curiosity led me to a book written by Norman Doidge, M.D. entitled, "The Brain That Changes Itself". This book brings about an understanding that previous conceptions of brain function are no longer accurate, referencing research and personal stories of those interviewed as evidence to take neuroscience in the new direction of plasticity and how we might be able to harness this innate malleability.

Therefore I would like to hear your thoughts on this in the hopes of answering a few of my questions.

Happy Halloween.