Engaging Your Brain for Lifelong Health: The Power of Neuroplasticity

This blog is a long one, so if you don’t want to read the full blog here is a quick summary.

Our latest blog delves into the fascinating world of neuroplasticity, Brodmann areas, and the importance of engaging different regions of the brain for lifelong health. It explores the relationship between aging and cognitive decline, while shedding light on the potential benefits of targeted interventions. By embracing activities such as mindfulness meditation, music training, bilingualism, and physical exercise, we can promote neuroplasticity and help to maintain cognitive function. The blog highlights the significance of novelty and continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of stimulating new neural connections to keep our brains sharp and healthy. Dive into the wealth of research on this topic and learn how to improve brain health and cognitive function through simple, everyday activities.

Now let’s get started with the full blog.

The human brain is truly remarkable. It allows us to learn, adapt, and evolve throughout our life. One of the foundational principles behind our brains ability to learn, adapt, and evolve is the incredible ability of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brain to reorganize its neural connections in response to experiences, challenges, and even injuries. Neuroplasticity is what allows us to continuously learn and adapt, ensuring our brains remain resilient and agile as we go through life and navigate an ever-changing world.

To further understand and explore the brain and its function we’re going to dive into the Brodmann areas. Brodmann areas are distinctive regions of the cerebral cortex that are each responsible for specific brain processes and functions. By examining and learning about the diverse roles and functions of the Brodmann areas, we can gain valuable insight into how we can actively engage these parts of the brain and through the process of neuroplasticity enhance overall brain health and cognitive performance.

Why would we want to do that?

As we age our brains undergo various structural and functional changes. These changes can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Dementia. Recent research suggest that actively engaging different areas of the brain through specific activities can help counteract these age-related changes and maintain as well as improve our overall brain health. Today we are going to be exploring neuroplasticity, the different Brodmann areas and their function, the challenges and opportunities associated with the aging brain, and practical strategies for promoting lifelong brain health.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

Drawing illustrating the process of synaptic transmission in neurons, cropped from original in an NIA brochure.

When it comes to the brain the concept of neuroplasticity has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and its potential for growth, adaptation, and resiliency. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and modify its neural connections and pathways in response to new experiences, learning, and even injury. This capacity for change allow our brains to continually evolve, shaping and reshaping our cognitive abilities, emotions, and behaviors throughout our life.

Neuroplasticity occurs at every level of the brain. From individual cells, called neurons, to entire networks of brain regions. At the cellular level neurons form new synapses, a connection between two neurons, and strengthen existing connections to further to facilitate learning and memory. At the network level, our brains reorganize and redistribute functions to optimize performance and adapt the changing circumstances. This dynamic process allows us to recover from injuries, develop new skills, and adapt to our ever-changing environment.

While our brain is able to change and adapt there are certain areas of the brain that perform certain functions, named Brodamann areas. The discovery of Brodmann areas has provided valuable insight into the diverse functions of the brain and their intertwined relationship with neuroplasticity.

How were Broadmann Areas Discovered?

In the early 20th century, 1909 to be exact, German neurologist Korbinian Brodman discovered that different areas of the brain had different cellular organization after staining the areas of the brain and putting it under a microscope. Upon identifying these unique patterns and structures of cellular organization  Brodmann was able to discover 52 unique areas that have since been associated with specific cognitive functions and processes. These areas are now known as Brodmann areas.

As we age, our ability to grow new neural connections or our degree of neuroplasticity in our brain tends to decline. This decrease in new neural connections and neural adaptability can contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. However, we now know that engaging in specific activities and interventions can enhance our brains ability to create new neural connections and improve overall neuroplasticity, even in older adults. By actively targeting different Brodmann areas through different activities we are able to stimulate the brain and promote greater neural adaptability and potentially offset or decrease age-related changes in our brain’s function and structure.

However, the power neuroplasticity isn’t just limited to aging. Neuroplasticity plays a vital role in various roles of brain health and function. For instance many individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or a stroke have structural damage to certain parts of the brain. Neuroplasticity allows these individuals to recover. Additionally, neuroplasticity enables us to acquire new languages, develop musical abilities, master complex mathematics, develop new skills, demonstrating the extraordinary potential of our brains ability to grow and adapt throughout our lives.

Next we are going to delve deeper into the different Brodmann areas and explore their different purposes and function of these areas as well as some potential ways on how to enhance brain health and cognitive performance.

Part 2: Understanding Brodmann Areas and Their Functions

As we mentioned before the Brodmann areas were first identified by neurologist Korbinian Brodmann in the 20th century. These area are distinct regions within our brain that have unique cellular structures and serve specific functions. By understanding these areas and their function we are able to provide valuable insights into how we can create targeted interventions to enhance overall brain health and cognitive performance. Below is a list of some of the key Brodmann areas and their primary functions.

Comparative theory of localization of the cerebral cortex presented in its principles on the basis of the cell structure. printed 1907

1. Brodmann Area 1, 2, 3: Primary somatosensory cortex, responsible for processing touch, pressure, and pain sensations.

2. Brodmann Area 4: Primary motor cortex, controlling voluntary muscle movements.

3. Brodmann Area 6: Premotor cortex and supplementary motor area, involved in planning and coordinating complex movements.

4. Brodmann Area 9, 46: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, associated with executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and working memory.

5. Brodmann Area 17: Primary visual cortex, responsible for processing visual information.

6. Brodmann Area 22: Superior temporal gyrus, involved in auditory processing and language comprehension (Wernicke's area).

7. Brodmann Area 44, 45: Inferior frontal gyrus, responsible for language production (Broca's area) and some aspects of executive function.

By knowing these areas and their functions we can engage in specific activities that stimulate particular regions of the brain and can potentially enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive performance in those areas.

For instance if you look above at Brodmann Areas 4, 6, and 22, these areas control voluntary muscles, planning and coordinating movement, and auditory processing and language comprehension. By engaging in activities like learning or practicing a musical instrument it has the potential to strengthen the connectivity between the auditory and motor cortexes of the brain. Likewise, learning a new language can stimulate the Brodmann areas of 44,45, and 22, also known as the Broca and Wernicke’s area. This would specifically enhance linguistic ability(our ability to speak) and cognitive control.

Showing some of the connections and overlaps of the different Brodmann areas.

Another example would be if an individual is experiencing difficulties with executive functions, a targeted intervention may focus on stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Areas 9 and 46) through activities such as problem-solving exercises or working memory training.

In the upcoming sections, we will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the aging brain and discuss practical strategies for promoting lifelong brain health based on our understanding of neuroplasticity and Brodmann areas.

Part 3: The Aging Brain: Challenges and Opportunities

While we age the brain goes through a multitude of changes. These changes can impact cognitive function and overall brain health. However, due to the power of neuroplasticity we have the potential to engage our brain in different ways to maintain the health of our brain longer than what is commonly seen in the general population.

How does the brain change?

As we age, our brain changes. Specifically the cells that make up our brain which we typically label as gray and white matter, as seen in the picture below. Grey matter is made up of bran cell bodies or neuronal cell bodies and synapses, connections between cells. The gray matter typically changes by its volume decreasing, so less synapses(connections) and less in total number or robustness of neuron cell bodies. This reduction is mainly seen in the regions associated with higher cognitive function such as the; prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and other areas involved in memory, attention, and executive function. The main cause of this reduction is unknown and thought to be due to multiple factors including loss of neurons, dendritic pruning (the brains way of getting rid of connections between brain cells when it deems they are no longer needed), and an overall decrease in density of synapses.

Matejko A (2014) White Matter Counts: Brain Connections Help Us Do 2 + 2. Front. Young Minds. 2:19. doi: 10.3389/frym.2014.00019

White matter is made up of myelinated axons the connection part of the brain cells that connect different brain regions. The white mater is similar to the gray mater as it also undergoes changes due to aging. The changes that occur in the white matter is primarily due to the reduction in myelin. One way to think about white matter is to think of it as the highways that transmit information from one cell body to the next. The myelin essentially acts as a coating which allows the speed of the information to transmit faster from one cell to the next. More myelin equals faster movements of information. If the myelin was a coating over a highway it would allow the car to go faster. Over time much like a highway the myelin can degrade, think of the road of a highway being worn down and leading to potholes and cars not being able to move as fast. The less myelin, the more potholes, the slower the processing speed of the brain. In the end this leads to disruption in the efficient communication between different parts of the brain which can reduce cognitive performance across different areas of our brain.

Cognitive Decline & Neurodegenerative Diseases.

As we age it is expected that there will be some cognitive decline and that this is a normal part of aging. However, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Dementia can speed up this decline. While the cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s is still unknown it is characterized by loss of brain cells and an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain that are thought to alter the brains environment leading to decrease in brain cell function and eventually brain cell death. We’ve talked a little about Alzheimer’s in the past and you can click here to read that blog. In the end diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia lead to further deterioration of cognitive function and eventually a significant negative impact on daily living.

It’s important to remember that when it comes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia many of the factors that cause these diseases are unknown. One recent area of interest in the cause of Dementia and Alzheimer’s is the field of epigenetic. Epigenetic looks at how specific environmental and behavioral factors alter how our genes are expressed. Meaning that just because we have a specific gene doesn’t mean that the gene will lead to a specific outcome. The field of Epigenetics helps to explain the complex relationship between genetics, our environment, and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

When it comes to the health of the brain individual differences in brain aging can be attributed to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. While certain genetic predispositions may increase the risk of age-related cognitive decline or neurodegenerative diseases, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation can play a crucial role in mitigating these risks and promoting brain health.

Recent research on epigenetics has highlighted the potential for lifestyle factors to influence gene expression, thereby affecting brain health and the aging process. For instance, studies have shown that regular exercise and a healthy diet can induce positive epigenetic changes that promote neuroplasticity, reduce inflammation, and protect against age-related cognitive decline. By understanding the complex interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and lifestyle factors, we can identify opportunities for intervention and harness the power of neuroplasticity to maintain and even improve cognitive function throughout our lives. This brings us to our next section, Promoting Brain Health and Cognitive Function.

Promoting Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Nearly every aspect of our health can be positively or negatively affected by our lifestyle and the activities we engage in. This is also true when it comes to the health of the brain.

As we talked about above neuroplasticity is the brains ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new connections between neurons. Neuroplasticity is a fundamental aspect of maintaining brain health throughout our lives. While neuroplasticity tends to decrease with age, research has shown that engaging in targeted activities can help preserve and even enhance this crucial process, promoting cognitive function and resilience in the face of age-related challenges.

The importance of novelty in maintaining brain health cannot be overstated. Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of education or advanced skills, such as musicians, do not necessarily experience cognitive benefits from their specific expertise alone. The key to promoting cognitive health lies in engaging areas of the brain that are not typically utilized, thereby fostering neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.

One way that we can engage in brain strengthening activities and behaviors is through engaging specific Brodmann areas of the brain. Research has shown that engaging in these types of activities can lead to positive changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to auditory and motor processing, memory, attention, and executive function.

Below are some examples of brain-healthy activities.

a) Music training: Studies have shown that music training can increase the size and connectivity of the primary auditory and motor cortices. This can result in improved sensorimotor integration and cognitive control, which are crucial for maintaining cognitive function as we age.

b) Physical exercise: Regular physical exercise has been associated with increased gray matter volume, enhanced neuroplasticity, and improved cognitive performance, especially in areas related to memory, attention, and executive function. By engaging in regular physical activity, we can promote brain health and cognitive function throughout our lives.

c) Bilingualism: Research has shown that bilingualism can lead to increased gray matter density in language processing areas and enhanced functional connectivity in the executive control network, resulting in improved cognitive control and attention. Learning a new language or maintaining proficiency in multiple languages can help preserve cognitive function as we age.

d) Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to increase gray matter density in the prefrontal cortex, insula, and hippocampus, as well as enhance functional connectivity within the default mode and salience networks. This can lead to improved attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, which are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall brain health.

e) Social interaction: Engaging in meaningful social interactions can have a positive impact on brain health. Socializing with others stimulates various cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and language, as well as activates the brain's reward system. Maintaining strong social connections can help delay cognitive decline and improve overall well-being.

f) Creative activities: Participating in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, writing, or sculpting, can stimulate the brain and promote cognitive function. These activities can activate various Brodmann areas related to perception, motor control, and memory. Engaging in creative pursuits can also reduce stress, enhance well-being, and help maintain cognitive vitality.

g) Puzzles and brain games: Solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or engaging in other mentally challenging activities can improve cognitive function and maintain brain health. These activities can activate different Brodmann areas related to problem-solving, pattern recognition, and memory. Regularly challenging your brain with such activities can help promote neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.

h) Lifelong learning: Continuously learning new skills and acquiring new knowledge throughout life can help maintain cognitive function and promote brain health. Lifelong learning can involve taking courses, attending lectures, reading, or exploring new hobbies. This process of learning stimulates various Brodmann areas related to memory, attention, and language processing.

By incorporating some of these activities into our daily lives, we can actively engage different Brodmann areas, promoting brain health and cognitive function as we age. In doing so, we can help mitigate the effects of age-related cognitive decline and maintain our cognitive vitality throughout our lives. However, one thing to keep in mind when it comes to neuroplasticity is the massive impact novelty can have on the health of the brain.

Above we listed all these activities that you can do to help strengthen your brain and make it more resilient to aging. However, the research has shown that a musician isn’t less likely to get Alzheimer’s or dementia, someone that is bilingual isn’t less likely to get Alzehiemer’s or dementia, and we can pretty much go down the list and say that if you were to pick one of those activities and just stick with it, it wouldn’t be enough. Why? Because the brain needs something different, something new, to cause the new neural connections. Which brings us to our last section, Embracing Novelty for Enhanced Brain Health.

Embracing Novelty for Enhanced Brain Health

The importance of novelty in maintaining brain health cannot be overstated. Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of education or advanced skills, such as musicians, do not necessarily experience cognitive benefits from their specific expertise alone. The key to promoting cognitive health lies in engaging areas of the brain that are not typically utilized, thereby fostering neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience

a) Novel experiences: Exposing your brain to new experiences, such as traveling, exploring unfamiliar environments, or learning new skills, can stimulate the brain and promote cognitive function. Novel experiences can activate various Brodmann areas related to learning, memory, and perception, thereby fostering neural growth and enhancing cognitive flexibility

b) Expanding your skillset: Building upon existing skills or learning new ones can significantly benefit brain health. For example, if you already play a musical instrument, try learning a different genre or mastering a new instrument. This process of expanding your skillset can engage different brain areas and strengthen neural connections, contributing to cognitive resilience and overall brain health.

c) Cross-training the brain: Just as physical cross-training can improve overall fitness, engaging in various cognitive activities can enhance brain health. By participating in a diverse range of activities that stimulate different Brodmann areas, you can promote the formation of new neural connections and improve cognitive function across multiple domains.

d) Adaptability and problem-solving: Encountering new challenges and situations that require problem-solving and adaptability can help maintain cognitive function and promote brain health. By exposing your brain to such challenges, you can stimulate various Brodmann areas related to problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making, thereby enhancing cognitive flexibility and resilience.

Embracing novelty and engaging in a diverse range of activities are essential for optimizing brain health and cognitive function. By continually challenging the brain and forming new neural connections, we can enhance neuroplasticity, improve cognitive resilience, and maintain cognitive vitality throughout our life.

Unlocking the Potential for Lifelong Brain Health

Today we explored the remarkable capacity of the human brain to adapt and change through neuroplasticity. By understanding the complex organization of the brain into Brodmann areas and their specific functions, we can appreciate the importance of actively engaging different areas of our brain for lifelong health.

Aging presents various challenges to our brain health, including structural changes, cognitive decline, and the potential impact of neurodegenerative diseases. However, with a better understanding of the role genetics, lifestyle factors, epigenetics, and neuroplasticity plays in brain aging, we can empower ourselves to make informed decisions and adopt strategies to promote brain health.

We have discussed the benefits of engaging in specific activities that target different Brodmann areas, as well as the importance of novelty and embracing new challenges. By continuously seeking out new experiences and diverse cognitive activities, we can stimulate our brains, form new neural connections, and maintain cognitive vitality throughout our lives.

Remember that the power to enhance your cognitive function lies in our own hands, and with targeted interventions, we can unlock the potential for lifelong brain health and cognitive resilience.

Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the challenges that life presents. Try something new and your brain will thank you for it.

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