1. Implications
1.1. For healthcare
1.1.1. Genetics: biomarkers provide information about the brain structure and function.
1.1.2. The brain's plasticity can also be directed through targeted rehabilitation programs that are tailored to specific neurological conditions.
1.2. For education
1.2.1. Repeat those behaviors that are healthy and break those habits that are not.
1.2.2. Find your personal learning strategy. Strategies vary between individuals
1.3. For personal growth
1.3.1. The primary driver of change in the brain is behavior
1.3.1.1. Positive change
1.3.1.1.1. Learn something new
1.3.1.1.2. Refine your motor skills
1.3.1.2. Negative change
1.3.1.2.1. Forget what you knew
1.3.1.2.2. Become addicted
2. Misconceptions
2.1. All changes in the brain are negative due to aging
2.2. To master a skill, you need to spend 10 000 hours.
2.3. When we do nothing, we don’t use our brain
2.4. The brain cannot change after childhood
3. Neuroplasticity: how does the brain change?
3.1. Chemical
3.1.1. The brain transfers chemical signal between the brain cells (neurons)
3.1.2. Improvement of the short-term memory
3.1.3. It’s not learning
3.1.3.1. Example 1. You master juggling today, but tomorrow your skill is lost
3.1.3.2. Example 2. Cramming at night before an exam
3.2. Structural
3.2.1. The brain can change connections between neurons
3.2.2. Improvement of the long-term memory
3.2.3. It’s learning
3.2.3.1. Example 1. You’ve been mastering juggling for a year and got really good at it.
3.2.3.2. Example 2. Blind people who read Braille have a good hand motor memory.
3.2.3.3. Example 3. London cab drivers who memorize London city map to get their license have a good special memory
3.3. Functional
3.3.1. The more you learn, the better your brain is
3.3.1.1. Example 1. Constant learning improves brain capacity
3.3.1.2. Example 2. Constant learning prevents Alzheimer syndrome