It took a psychologist in 1890, William James, to give us the idea of brain plasticity. (No, not talking about a plastic brain, as the one shown in my hand above.) We know how much a baby's brain must process---EVERYTHING! This growth of knowledge (like learning what a toe is) is water in the desert to a brain just waiting to build new pathways, connections of cells through nerves and neurons going with info to each other across a synapse. We (Those of us with MS are part of "the medical community.") now deem this infinite of possibilities to be brain plasticity. (Think the love child of Gumby and Pokey. Oh come on, don't act like you never thought of it.) Also known in the shrinking brain community as the silly putty effect. Pressing a coin into silly putty changes its shape, same way new pathways change our brain.
This aspect of my brain keeps me going on days when all my body parts fail me. I can still use my brain and build new cells. I might try learning to play the oboe. (Well, the cello is just too big) Reading a book upside down, anything new, to keep Gumby happy. My brain has been shrinking too soon, but all brains shrink over time. Ergo, all brains can use plasticity to their advantage. Just search "Brain Games" and your computer can get you started, but nothing beats games with other people. When you build your brain, consider all the areas you will be using and use as many as you can.
My parakeet, Arthur, was brilliant. I see now how he took his brain to the gym for a workout every day. He interacted with humans and other birds. He played in new ways with his cage toys. He tried new foods. He didn't just mimic my words, he made HIS own sentences---nouns with verbs. (So incredible that we recorded him, since we doubted anyone would believe it.)
Brain plasticity is your friend. Work it ever day.
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