(April 26, 2012) They say
you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Fortunately, this is not always true.
Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW) have now
discovered how the adult brain can adapt to new situations. The Dutch
researchers’ findings are published on Wednesday in the prestigious journal
'Neuron'. Their study may be significant in the treatment of neurodevelopmental
disorders such as epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia.
Ability to
learn
Our brain
processes information in complex networks of nerve cells. The cells communicate
and excite one another through special connections, called synapses. Young
brains are capable of forming many new synapses, and they are consequently
better at learning new things. That is why we acquire vital skills – walking,
talking, hearing and seeing – early on in life. The adult brain stabilises the
synapses so that we can use what we have learned in childhood for the rest of
our lives.