PLASTYCZNOŚĆ NEURONALNA – TWÓJ PRZYJACIEL CZY WRÓG?

Of the currently known mammalian brain properties, brain plasticity is undeniably the most intriguing one. Until the 1980s, it was believed that adult brain is incapable of modifying its functions in response to such experiences as stimuli or damage [2]. However, it turned out that brain plasticity enables adaptation to changes of the external and internal environment, essential for survival and reproduction. Moreover, neuroplasticity underlies all behavioral phenomena which reflect mood, emotions and motivation in humans and animals. Unfortunately, adaptive changes in the brain are not always beneficial. Pathological neuronal plasticity is observed during the development of drug dependence – a constantly growing medical and social problem, and in epilepsy. Very often, neuroplasticity processes are impaired in genetic diseases leading to severe consequences. According to some recent reports, they may also be involved in the mechanisms of development of certain mental illnesses. Therefore a question arises whether neuronal plasticity is our friend or perhaps a foe?