Removing Brakes on Adult Brain Plasticity: From Molecular to Behavioral Interventions

Evolving plastic capacity across the lifespan (blue arrows) (E/I, Excitatory-inhibitory circuit balance) suggests possible mechanisms for enhancing learning and recovery of function in adulthood (red). (1), Removing structural barriers to rewiring by targeting, for example, perineuronal nets, myelin, or epigenetic status. While effective in resetting brain plasticity in animal models (Table 1), their potential utility in humans remains elusive. (2), Resetting local E/I to a juvenile state where excitation dominates can also effectively promote plasticity in adulthood (Table 1). Noninvasive manipulations, such as the immersive and enriched conditions of video game play, may elicit various neuromodulatory responses, perhaps through feedback signals from higher control centers, to engage brain plasticity and learning in adults.