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Opinion Article - Integrative Neuroscience Research (2025) Volume 8, Issue 3
Neuroplasticity: Brain change for health and treatment
Aiko Tanaka*
Department of Brain Science, Kyoto University, Japan
- *Corresponding Author:
- Aiko Tanaka
Department of Brain Science
Kyoto University, Japan.
E-mail: atana@kyoto-u.ac.jp
Received : 01-Sep-2025, Manuscript No. AAINR-25-191; Editor assigned : 03-Sep-2025, PreQC No. AAINR-25-191(PQ); Reviewed : 23-Sep-2025, QC No AAINR-25-191; Revised : 02-Oct-2025, Manuscript No. AAINR-25-191(R); Published : 13-Oct-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/ aainr-8.3.191
Citation: Tanaka A. Neuroplasticity: Brain change for health and treatmen. Integr Neuro Res. 2025;08(03):191.
Introduction
This review explores how understanding and modulating neuroplasticity can lead to more effective treatments for depression, focusing on novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that aim to restore neuronal function and connectivity. It highlights promising avenues like ketamine, psychedelics, and brain stimulation techniques for their rapid antidepressant effects linked to neuroplastic changes [1].
This systematic review delves into how physical exercise positively influences neuroplasticity in healthy young adults. It synthesizes evidence showing that regular physical activity enhances cognitive functions, promotes structural changes like increased gray matter volume, and modulates neurotrophic factors, all contributing to improved brain health and adaptability [2].
This article explores the intricate role of neuroplasticity in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. It discusses how persistent pain leads to maladaptive changes in the nervous system, including sensitization and altered brain connectivity, and identifies potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for modulating these plastic changes to alleviate chronic pain [3].
This review examines the fundamental bidirectional relationship between sleep and neuroplasticity, highlighting how sleep actively facilitates learning and memory consolidation by orchestrating synaptic plasticity, and conversely, how learning shapes subsequent sleep architecture to optimize these processes [4].
This review summarizes the evidence for structural and functional neuroplastic changes in the brains of musicians, demonstrating how musical training, particularly early in life, enhances sensory processing, motor skills, memory, and executive functions through modifications in cortical thickness, white matter integrity, and neural network connectivity [5].
This article explores the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and brain function, specifically focusing on how the gut-brain axis influences neuroplasticity in the context of anxiety and depression. It highlights mechanisms by which gut microbiota can modulate neurotransmitter systems, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis, offering insights into novel therapeutic strategies [6].
This review discusses the adaptive and maladaptive neuroplastic changes that occur in the brain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). It examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying recovery and persistent deficits, emphasizing the potential for therapeutic interventions that harness or guide neuroplasticity to improve functional outcomes after TBI [7].
This article reviews the mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation practices induce neuroplastic changes in the brain. It details how sustained meditative training can lead to alterations in brain structure and function, including increased gray matter density, changes in white matter integrity, and modified resting-state connectivity, supporting improved emotional regulation and cognitive control [8].
This review discusses the complex relationship between aging and neuroplasticity, highlighting how age-related declines in cognitive function are often linked to reduced brain plasticity. It explores various strategies, including cognitive training, physical activity, and pharmacological interventions, that aim to enhance neuroplasticity in the aging brain to mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy brain aging [9].
This review discusses various therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating neuroplasticity to treat neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It explores interventions like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, highlighting their mechanisms of action in reshaping neural circuits and improving mental health outcomes [10].
Conclusion
Neuroplasticity is key to treating depression, with novel methods like ketamine and brain stimulation yielding rapid antidepressant effects linked to neuronal changes. Physical exercise positively shapes neuroplasticity in young adults, enhancing cognitive functions and promoting beneficial structural brain adaptations. Chronic pain involves complex maladaptive neuroplastic changes, presenting clear targets for new therapeutic interventions and biomarkers. Sleep and neuroplasticity exhibit a fundamental bidirectional relationship, where sleep is crucial for learning and memory consolidation processes. Early musical training significantly alters brain structure and function, leading to enhanced sensory processing, motor skills, memory, and executive functions. The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in neuroplasticity, modulating neurotransmitter systems and neuroinflammation in anxiety and depression. Following traumatic brain injury, adaptive and maladaptive neuroplastic changes occur, with potential for targeted interventions to improve functional outcomes. Mindfulness meditation practices induce notable neuroplastic changes, including increased gray matter density and improved emotional regulation. Neuroplasticity in the aging brain is a target for cognitive enhancement, with strategies like training and physical activity aiming to mitigate decline. Various therapeutic strategies, including rTMS and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, effectively modulate neuroplasticity to address neuropsychiatric disorders.
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