Neuroplasticity Principles in Learning and Memory

1. What does “Use it or lose it” mean?

Failure to drive specific brain functions can lead to functional degradation.

2. What does “Use it and improve it” mean?

Training that drives a specific brain function can lead to enhancement of that function.

3. What does “Specificity” mean in neuroplasticity?

The nature of the training experience dictates the nature of the plasticity.

4. What does “Repetition matters” mean?

Induction of plasticity requires sufficient repetition.

5. What does “Intensity matters” mean?

Induction of plasticity requires sufficient training intensity (dosage).

6. What does “Time matters” mean?

Different forms of plasticity occur at different times during training.

7. What does “Salience matters” mean?

The training experience must be meaningful or important enough to induce plasticity.

8. What does “Age matters” mean?

Training-induced plasticity occurs more readily in younger brains.

9. What is “Transference”?

Plasticity in response to one training experience can enhance learning of similar behaviors.

10. What is “Interference”?

Plasticity in response to one experience can interfere with the acquisition of other behaviors.