Scientific Sessions

Brain plasticity and neural repair are fundamental concepts in neuroscience that highlight the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, reorganize, and recover following injury, disease, or changes in the environment. Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the capacity of neurons to form new connections, strengthen existing pathways, and even reorganize functional areas to compensate for lost functions. This adaptive mechanism is essential for learning, memory formation, skill development, and recovery after events such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. Neural repair, on the other hand, focuses on the processes by which damaged neurons and networks attempt to restore their function, either through regeneration, remyelination, or recruitment of alternative neural circuits. Together, these mechanisms underscore the brain’s resilience and potential for recovery, even in the face of significant challenges.

Research in brain plasticity and neural repair has opened new possibilities for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing recovery in neurological disorders. Rehabilitation strategies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive training, harness neuroplasticity by encouraging the brain to reorganize through repeated practice and stimulation. Emerging approaches, including stem cell therapies, gene editing, neurotrophic factors, and brain-computer interfaces, are being explored to directly promote neural repair and regeneration. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are also showing promise in accelerating functional recovery. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, enriched environments, and lifelong learning have been shown to support neuroplasticity, contributing to brain health across the lifespan. As research advances, the integration of these strategies holds great potential for improving outcomes in patients with neurological injuries and diseases, highlighting the transformative role of brain plasticity and neural repair in modern medicine.