The Impact Of Reorganization Of The Brain On New Neural Connections Being Continuously Formed From Mental And Cognitive Stimulation

2514 Words Dec 10th, 2014 11 Pages
Reorganization in the brain due to new neural connections being continuously formed from mental and cognitive stimulation over the course of one 's lifespan, in psychological terms is referred to as “neuroplasticity.” This process is argued in Alan Carr 's novel The Shallows. While the levels of neuroplasticity in the brain tend to decrease as the brain ages, by continuing to stimulate neurons, and learn new information, the brain can continue to strengthen itself from disease, injury, or ever-changing environments. Neuroplasticity refers to the gaining of new information and wisdom. Since the brain controls every mental process that occurs over the course of a lifetime, it is safe to assume that the brain moves and adapts to the outside stimulus and/or environment, as discussed in The Shallows. The reading also discusses the process of pruning. Pruning refers to the early years of development in the human brain and involves a process where one can expect to see excess neurons begin to die out due to a lack of activity and stimulation. This is where the phrase “use it or lose it” comes from. Furthermore, Carr explains that, "neuroscientists and psychologists have discovered that, even as adults, our brains are very plastic.” Malleability is a large running theme when discussing the brain, and as humans begin spending more and more time on mental tasks, (surfing, skimming, scanning and browsing the interwebs) the more these specific neural transmissions are being…

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