Brain plasticity: developmental and clinical aspects of importance for early intervention

Abstract

Brain plasticity is not only accommodation of young brain tissue that can change own characteristics, but process that occurs during whole life period, even during old age. Mechanisms of plasticity incorporate: formation of new axon terminals and new synapses, change in neuronal membrane excitability, change in the balance of excitation and inhibition, a long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD). Molecular mechanisms of brain plasticity encompass neurotrophins, NMDA receptors, the role of calcium ions and calcium channels, free radicals and lipid peroxides. Neuroplasticity also may lead to destabilization of neuronal connections therefore without control of this process plasticity becomes excessive and as a result pathological destabilization and disease may occur. Compensation, which is reorganisation of behavior aimed at minimizing or circumventing a particular disability, is also possible due to process of neuroplasticity. Although, without any doubt, younger and growing brain has greater potential for compensation of damage and higher ability for correction of dysfunctions. Here we discussed biological potential of brain plasticity and importance of this process for early intervention is special education and rehabilitation. Early intervention will have full effect only if it is applied well-timed, otherwise the effects will be reduced. Accurate early intervention should consider: definition of optimal time period for beginning of early intervention; composition of proper protocols for methods of stimulation and systemic exercise; and application of these measures in connection with prospective biological potentials.