Keywords
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the intrinsic capacity of the central nervous system to reorganize its structural and functional architecture in response to internal and external stimuli, represents one of the most fundamental and clinically significant properties of the mammalian brain. This review synthesizes current knowledge across five interrelated domains: the classification and mechanistic underpinnings of neuroplasticity, its expression during normal neurodevelopment and healthy adult cognition, its pathological alterations in neurological and psychiatric disease, and the emerging therapeutic modalities designed to harness or restore plasticity. Cellular and molecular analyses reveal a complex choreography involving synaptic receptor dynamics, neurotrophic factor signaling—particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—and activity-dependent gene transcription. Clinically, disrupted plasticity contributes to the pathogenesis of stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conversely, targeted interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy, aerobic exercise, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and pharmacological agents show promise in re-engaging plasticity mechanisms to promote recovery. The review also examines the horizon of brain-computer interfaces, closed-loop neurostimulation, and artificial-intelligence-guided personalized neurorehabilitation as transformative future directions.
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