Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho
Brain cells do not regenerate. There are some controversial researchers who claim that brain cells do but even if they do, it is a very slow and minimal process.
Neuroplasticity tries to suggest neuro generation or regeneration but that is a stretch.
My concern is that lack of neuronal regeneration does not have the dire consequences that it may suggest. The brain is very adaptable. We can make many changes to enhance strong functions and minimize reliance on weak functions.
There is no reason for despair as we all have many opportunities to work around our limitations. If we lose the ability to participate in a favorite activity, we still have access to other activities.
I hope others can tell us of the ways they have rebuilt their lives despite their limitations.
My best to you all.
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Based on recent research it's pretty well accepted by neuroscientists that neurons do in fact regenerate in certain areas of the brain, particularly the hippocampus (important part of the limbic system responsible for memory development) and in the olfactory bulb. Whether neurons regenerate in the higher areas such as the neocortex is still being researched and debated by neuroscientists, but recent research suggests that they can and do.
Good discussion on this can be found in the book
Connectome; How the Brain’s Wiring Makes us Who We Are by Sebastian Seung, a professor of neuroscience at MIT.
Regarding rebuilding our lives and the adaptability of the brain, in my case, I went from a NPA assessment of:
“
Patient shows significant difficulties with visuospatial learning and recall, as well as mental flexibility and multitasking. He displays weaknesses in aspects of executive system functioning (retrieval of learned information, mental flexibility, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and verbal fluency).”
To, three months later:
“
On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months ago. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving”
Thanks, good discussion topic.