Neuroplasticity: how the brain changes

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the nervous system’s capacity to change its structure or function with experience, learning or injury. Changes vary with the process and circumstances. This concept supports the study of learning, but it does not establish that a habit-tracking app changes an individual brain or treats ADHD.

Forms of neuroplasticity

Examples related to learning

• Learning to ride a bicycle involves practice and changes in motor skills, without a guarantee of permanent performance.
• Studies investigate associations between meditation and brain measures, but findings do not establish a guaranteed structural effect for an individual.
• Repeated behaviour in a consistent context can become more automatic over time; timing varies.
• Language learning involves practice and adaptation in the systems supporting language.

Neuroplasticity and ADHD

Conditions that can support learning

1. Suitable physical activity — can support wellbeing; a fixed brain-growth effect is not promised
2. Sleep — sleep is involved in memory processes; adapt routines to your needs
3. New learning — practise new skills and knowledge
4. Mindfulness practice — an optional practice, not a guarantee of changing brain structure
5. Repeated actions in a suitable context — repetition can support learning, without one universal neural timetable

Neuroplasticity and habits

Practising a manageable action in a stable context can support learning and greater automaticity. A tracker can help record repetitions, but neuroplasticity alone does not prove that a particular tracking system works or literally “rewires” its users’ brains.