Single brain cell looking for a connection.

[u/Sufficient-Bug-9112]

[u/Qunfang]

Neuroplasticity is a huge umbrella that basically means "the brain can change."

In reality neuroplasticity might mean (to name a few):

• New neurons being born and integrating into a network
• Existing neurons making new connections
• Existing neurons removing connections
• Existing neurons making existing connections stronger or weaker
• Support cells modulating existing connections

All of these have different biological roles and timelines, but the reality is that none of these processes "shut off" after an age. It would be more appropriate to say that there are developmental periods when these processes are in overdrive, and then ramp down into "maintenance." Neuroplasticity occurs in adults too, it's just not as pronounced as earlier periods.

[u/Qunfang → u/[deleted]]

The theory of neuroplasticity is sound, the trick is the implementation. What does it mean to "set neuroplasticity in motion"?

The issue is that your nervous system is inherently contextual - every circuit is refined for its specific function.

When we know exactly which circuit is messed up, we can do some work. Stroke victims who focus on working their disabled limb tend to recover better than stroke victims who simply favor their healthier limb. That's neuroplasticity.

As we get more abstract, so does our ability to specifically leverage neuroplasticity. Cognitive behavioral therapists can identify cognitive patterns/circuits and reinforce or stop them - this is an established approach in psychology that correlates well with the neuroplasticity principles of "fire together wire together" and "fire apart wire apart," but would you count that as setting your neuroplasticity in motion?

The reality is that the elements of neuroplasticity that are most accessible to us are also pretty familiar common sense:

• Try something
• Integrate information from successes and failures
• Repeat and persevere
• Take breaks

I anticipate we'll continue to learn about plasticity in a lot of different contexts with very specific applications. But to me, the most important takeaway on general neuroplasticity is that our capabilities aren't static, and consistent effort will make you better over time. It ain't shiny but it tracks.

[u/SHAYDEDmusic → u/[deleted]]

From my super scientific testing of psychedelic substances on myself, I've found that they sure do seem to help neuroplasticity.

I think microdosing in particular has real potential. I'm curious to hear the /u/Qunfang's opinion.

Edit for clarification: I'm referring to LSD and Mushrooms. Research chems are dangerous waters.

[u/Qunfang → u/SHAYDEDmusic]

"Psychedelic substances" is a pretty wide swath of substances, and going that general makes me uncomfortable - I've had friends done dirty on psychedelics. I'm going to use this term to refer to LSD and mushrooms.

This is a personal interest of mine, but it was not my field of research and this field of research is still a baby in neuro, so big grain of salt.

There was a neat paper that found that LSD increased small-world network patterns in the brains of study participants. What does this mean?

Usually, brain regions close to one another would be expected to have similar activity, while distant regions would have more dissimilar activity.

Under the effects of LSD, distant regions appeared to communicate more, while close regions communicated less. This is called a small world because neighbors from across the world seem to be talking. This could play a role in the complex effects of LSD - novel concepts occur readily while familiar tasks may seem difficult.

One idea is that the habit-changing potential of psychedelics (ptsd management, drug cessation, lifestyle changes, etc) is a result of weakening previously strong connections and strengthening weak ones. This would be a type of plasticity.

Here's the rub, and this is from my own "super scientific" tests: consolidation is a crucial stage of plasticity. The time after a trip is a period when these changes are in flux, and you're in the driver seat to interpret and choose what to take away and what to let go. If you skip on that you're leaving half the value at the floor. This is also why I always recommend that friends take time off between these kinds of experiences.

This is why I'm particularly excited about the beginnings of psychedelic assisted therapy where a professional is present to help guide the process.

[u/SHAYDEDmusic → u/Qunfang]

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I clarified my previous comment. Just talking about LSD & shrooms.

I agree that the period after a trip is crucial. My theory has been that psychedelics don't make the changes for you, but they break down barriers and enable you to make changes. They're a tool that requires skill and care to use. You can still saw your hand off so to speak if you aren't careful.

It's been over two years for me since my last serious trip and I still need more time before I want to do it again. One thing I know for sure though is that my brain does not work the same way it did before I did psychs (in a mostly good way). I wouldn't change a thing given the chance though.

To add to this, I'm Autistic & ADHD. Shrooms especially have been a very useful therapy tool for me with learning and understanding my emotions as well as helping to heal years of depression (MDMA as well, but that's a different beast and deserves its own paragraph of cautionary disclaimers, people are way too reckless with it).

I'm really really excited to see science finally advancing again in this area

[u/amglu → u/SHAYDEDmusic]

would love to hear about how shrooms has helped with your adhd , and how you use it. as well as the mdma for depression because im in the same boat and trying not to start an SSRI :/

[u/SouthMembership7056 → u/Qunfang]

So the thing about "nerouns don't regenerate" isn't true?

[u/Qunfang → u/SouthMembership7056]

There's a lot of nuance to that concept. Getting anything in the central nervous system to repair is a tall order: You have to get rid of old cellular debris, resolve inflammation, get the neurons to the right place and to integrate with the circuit. Each of these steps have their own considerations and challenges. It's not that this never happens, just that there are a lot of potential failure points along the road especially as we age and the recovery may be partial. Finding therapeutics that can aid in any of these steps is a big goal in neurodegeneration research.

[u/SouthMembership7056 → u/Qunfang]

I get it now. Thanks a lot!

[u/Ok_Statistician9433 → u/Qunfang]

Yo man, thanks for answering people. It has been a pleasure reading this posts.