Neuroplasticity

At Mind + Body Medicine in Dallas, we are dedicated to empowering patients to improve their quality of life. Dr. Howard Cohen offers science-backed treatments that work in harmony with your body’s natural healing capabilities. With his deep understanding of how the brain works, Dr. Cohen is able to optimize neuroplasticity with various treatments that can be tailored to provide relief from chronic pain, treatment-resistant depression, and many other conditions that affect the mind and body. 

Optimize your neuroplasticity.

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This natural phenomenon allows the brain to adjust in response to new situations, changes in the environment, or after an injury. Unlike the outdated belief that the brain's structure is fixed after a certain age, modern neuroscience has shown that our brains remain dynamic and have the ability to change and adapt well into adulthood.

How Neuroplasticity Works

Neuroplasticity occurs through two primary mechanisms:

  • Synaptic Plasticity: This involves changes in the strength of synapses, the connections between neurons. Repeated use of a particular pathway strengthens the synapse, making it more efficient, while unused pathways weaken and may eventually disappear.
  • Structural Plasticity: This involves changes in the brain's physical structure. Neurons can form new connections, dendrites can grow, and even the brain's cortical maps can shift in response to learning, experience, or damage.

The Benefits of Neuroplasticity

  • Recovery from Brain Injuries: Neuroplasticity is crucial for recovery from brain injuries. Following a stroke or trauma, the brain can rewire itself to compensate for lost functions or to maximize remaining functions.
  • Learning and Memory: Learning new skills or information strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to recall and apply knowledge. This is why continuous learning and mental challenges are beneficial for maintaining cognitive health.
  • Mental Health Improvement: Neuroplasticity plays a role in overcoming mental health issues. Therapeutic practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) leverage the brain's plasticity to change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
  • Adapting to New Situations: Whether it's picking up a new hobby or adjusting to a significant life change, neuroplasticity helps us adapt by forming new neural pathways that support these activities.

Treatments for Neuroplasticity

  • Brain Stimulation: Studies show that non-invasive brain stimulation treatments can enhance neuroplasticity, especially for patients who have suffered injuries.1
    Learn more about Brain Stimulation Treatments
  • Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Experts believe that ketamine infusion therapy can provide a powerful boost to neuroplasticity.2 This can be valuable for patients with chronic pain disorders as well as treatment-resistant depression.
    Learn more about Ketamine Infusion Therapy
  • Neuropsychopharmacology: Finding the right medication can help patients overcome negative neuroplasticity in order to find relief from chronic pain, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.3,4
    Learn more about Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology

Contact Us

If you are suffering from hard-to-treat conditions, we’d like to help. Harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, we can create a treatment plan designed to help you find relief. Schedule your appointment to learn more. 

1 Palm U, Chalah MA, Ayache SS. Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity. Brain Sciences. 2021; 11(7):873. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11070873
2 Wu H, Savalia NK, Kwan AC. Ketamine for a Boost of Neural Plasticity: How, but Also When? Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Jun 1;89(11):1030-1032. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.03.014. PMID: 34016377; PMCID: PMC8190578.
3 Rădulescu, I., Drăgoi, A. M., Trifu, S. C., Cristea, M. B."Neuroplasticity and depression: Rewiring the brain's networks through pharmacological therapy (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22.4 (2021): 1131.
4 Krystal JH, Tolin DF, Sanacora G, Castner SA, Williams GV, Aikins DE, Hoffman RE, D'Souza DC. Neuroplasticity as a target for the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Drug Discov Today. 2009 Jul;14(13-14):690-7. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2009.05.002. Epub 2009 May 19. PMID: 19460458; PMCID: PMC2898127.