Neural Plasticity
Dr Joe Muscolino DC
This article is reprinted with the kind permission of the author .
Learning and Memory
The process of learning is the acquisition of knowledge and ability ; memory is the retention and storage of knowledge and ability . Memory is stored in the central nervous system by the creation of memory engrams , also called memory patterns , which are , in effect , recordings of what we have learned . Memory storage is usually divided into shortterm memory , which lasts for only a few moments ; and long-term memory , which can last indefinitely . Whenever any type of long-term memory occurs , whether it is of cognitive intellectual knowledge , a kinesthetic motor skill , emotional feelings , or even pain sensitivity , the concept of neural plasticity is involved . Neural plasticity is the term that describes the brain ’ s ability to be formed or molded ; the term plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos , which relates to molding .
Hence , memory is a recording within the nervous system of our experiences . If the experience is purely intellectual , we form a cognitive memory ; if the experience is a physical posture or movement pattern , we form a motor skill memory ; if the experience is emotional , we form an emotional memory ; and if the experience involves processing sensory pain signals , we can create a memory of pain sensitization . Most memory patterns are a combination of cognitive , motor , sensory , and emotion . In each case , the memory pattern is encoded by the activation / firing of neuronal pathways in a specific sequence .
MEMORY IS A RECORDING WITHIN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF OUR EXPERIENCES ... MOST MEMORY PATTERNS ARE A COMBINATION OF COGNITIVE , MOTOR , SENSORY , AND EMOTION . IN EACH CASE , THE MEMORY PATTERN IS ENCODED BY THE ACTIVATION / FIRING OF NEURONAL PATHWAYS IN A SPECIFIC SEQUENCE .
196 | vol28 | no4 | JATMS