Treating Neurological Disorders Using Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to respond to new information or stimuli by reorganizing or adapting its structure. This dynamic reorganization can play a role in rehabilitation from things likestroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and dementia. Experience-dependent neuroplasticity is the continuing process of the regeneration and reorganization ofneuron connections that occur as a result of a person's lifeexperiences. Different circumstances and experiences during rehabilitation can significantly influence how certain areas of the brain regenerate and reorganize. By incorporating appropriate elements of experience-dependent neuroplasticityinto treatment plans, rehab professionals can help to promote neurological changes that occur more quickly, morecompletely, and endure for longer periods of time.

Highlights

• Components of experience-dependent neuroplasticity and how to apply across rehab disciplines
• Utilizing neuroplasticity to develop functional treatment objectives and therapy goals

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists