Empirical evidence on neural plasticity, modulation, integration, coordination, and regulation to lower the risks of neurological disorders

A therapeutic photo between a patient and physicianPhoto byPhoto by Karolina Grabowska:

My stories do not include health advice. As a scientist and technologist with 40 years of experience, I document my reviews, observations, and experiences for information and awareness purposes.

Studies indicate that creating a flexible, functional, healthy nervous system is vital for optimal brain function, cognitive health, neural fitness, and well-being. The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, coordinating bodily functions like movement, sensation, and cognition.

Managing the nervous system involves adopting and executing lifestyle changes that promote neural plasticity, modulation, integration, coordination, and regulation processes, which I explain in this article.

I previously wrote about muscles, fats, and bones. Another critical structure is the network of nerves and neurons, enabling communication among the physical components. Nerves and neurons are closely related but distinct constructs in the nervous system.

Neutrons are unique cells with dendrites and axons that transmit and process information. However, nerves are piles of axons with connective tissues, blood vessels, and support cells that transmit signals among different parts of the nervous system.

Besides the brain, neurons also exist in the nervous system, controlling muscle movement, regulating heart rate and blood pressure, and coordinating the digestive system.

In addition to enhanced fitness, mental clarity, and overall well-being, the main purpose of supporting the nervous system is to lower the risks of neurological disorders and prevent them proactively with healthy lifestyle choices.

There are many neurological disorders affecting the lives of millions. The most common are neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, other dementia types, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and motor neuron diseases like ALS.

Cognitive function is a significant determinant of quality of life. Neurocognitive disorders include neurological and psychiatric conditions affecting memory, attention, perception, senses, language, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

I wrote about these disorders before. Based on my intense research, I documented my experience with my father’s death due to ALS, a serious neurological disease with no cure yet.

As the topic is complex and involved at the cellular and systemic levels, I explain the nervous system concepts with processes, mechanisms, and examples in simple language without going into technical and scientific details to give you an idea.

Then I map these processes to relevant lifestyle components to reinforce your learning and make this a practical piece to improve the health of your nervous system with better lifestyle choices. This mapping to lifestyle choices will be in part #2 of this story in my next post.

We can use several metaphors to visualize the nervous system's structure and functions. I will give you a few examples.

The nervous system looks like a control center in a building regulating different operations to maintain homeostasis and respond to changing environmental conditions.

The nervous system can be visualized as a communication network connecting different devices and allowing them to exchange information.

I also resemble the nervous system to an orchestra working together to create music, as the nervous system has different regions that work together to produce complex behaviors and actions.

Another metaphor is a central unit of a computer managing data and information as the nervous system detects, processes, and stores information via neural signals and uses it to control bodily functions.

From a speed perspective, the nervous system likens to a highway system allowing vehicles to travel quickly and efficiently between different locations. The nervous system controlled by the brain enables information to be transmitted fast among various body parts.

A Simplified Overview of the Nervous System

In anatomy, the nervous system is categorized as central and peripheral. The central one includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral includes autonomic, somatic, and enteric.

The brain is the main control center of the nervous system. It coordinates and processes sensory information, initiates motor responses, regulates behavior and emotions, and controls bodily functions.

The spinal cord is a long structure extending from the brain to the vertebral column. It is a conduit for nerve signals traveling to and from the brain. It has some autonomous control over reflexive movements.

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It is divided into two branches. The sympathetic nervous system activates the stress response. The parasympathetic nervous system initiates the rest and digest response.

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and sensory perception in the body. It includes the nerves connecting the spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and sensory receptors.

The enteric nervous system is a network of neurons regulating the function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is sometimes called the second brain due to its complex and mostly autonomous control over digestion.

The Significance of 5 Concepts for Neurological Flexibility, Fitness, and Health

The following five processes are critical for maintaining a healthy nervous system and brain function. Disruptions in these processes can lead to neurological, psychiatric, and physiological disorders as the body and mind are connected.

1 — Neural Plasticity

In simple terms, neurogenesis is the formation of new neurons and new connections in the brain, providing better functionality.

Neural plasticity is the ability of neurons and neural networks to change their structure and function in response to experience, learning, injury, or mental stimulation. The critical point is the brain can grow and shrink.

At the cellular level, neural plasticity allows the brain to adapt and change in response to experience, promoting the growth of new neurons and enhancing the connectivity between different brain regions.

At the systemic level, it enables the nervous system to integrate and synchronize the activity of different neurons and neural networks to perform complex behaviors and actions.

As I explained in a previous article, neural plasticity can occur through neurogenesis. I also covered synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression in another article, so I will not repeat the details here.

These processes include forming new neurons and synapses, eliminating unused synapses, and strengthening and weakening synaptic connections.

For example, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis allow stroke patients to regain their lost functions by engaging in rehabilitation exercises that stimulate the brain to rewire and form new neural connections.

2 — Neural Modulation

Neural modulation is the ability of neurons and neural networks to adjust their activity and responsiveness according to factors like neurotransmitters, hormones, medication, or environmental cues.

There are five mechanisms of neural modulation: presynaptic inhibition, postsynaptic inhibition, neurofeedback, and neuromodulation.

These mechanisms involve increasing or reducing neurotransmitters or other biochemicals via various biofeedback loops.

For example, caffeine, as an active molecule, can block adenosine's action and make us less sleepy and alert.

3 — Neural Integration

Neural integration is the ability of neurons and neural networks to process and combine information from different sources and modalities, like sensory inputs, memory, emotions, or cognition.

Neural integration can occur through various structures and pathways to enable multisensory activities.

Structures and pathways include association areas covering sensory modalities, commissures to connect the brain's two hemispheres, and convergence of inputs from different neurons onto a single neuron.

For example, to recognize someone’s face, the brain combines information from sensory modalities like vision, smell, sound, and memories.

4 — Neural Coordination

Neural coordination is the capability of neurons and neural networks to coordinate and synchronize their activity and output with other neurons and neural networks, such as motor neurons, interneurons, or reflex arcs.

Neural coordination is a complex process. It involves integrating and synchronizing different neural processes to support behaviors and actions. This coordination is critical for maintaining optimal brain function.

Neural coordination can occur through reciprocal inhibition, coactivation, and entrainment.

Reciprocal inhibition refers to the inhibition of antagonistic muscles by interneurons. Coactivation means the simultaneous activation of synergistic muscles by motor neurons. Entrainment refers to the synchronization or coordination of biological rhythms.

Some examples are the coordination between sensory input and motor output, different cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and decision-making, neural oscillations for memory consolidation during sleep, and neural networks to support learning.

5 — Neural Regulation

Neural regulation is the ability of neurons and neural networks to regulate and control the activity and function of other body systems. It maintains the balance and stability of physiological processes through various neural mechanisms.

This process involves complex neural mechanisms, coordinating and regulating bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, or digestion. The nervous system can regulate the endocrine, immune, and cardiovascular systems.

Neural regulation can happen through various structures and pathways, like the hypothalamus, the autonomic nervous system, or the neuroendocrine system integrating neural and hormonal signals.

The neural mechanisms regulating bodily functions include the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, which receive and process sensory information and generate motor responses. The PNS consists of nerves that connect the CNS to various body parts and carry signals to and from organs and tissues.

The hypothalamus controls autonomic and endocrine functions, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions, and the neuroendocrine system integrates neural and hormonal signals.

An example of neural regulation is how the hypothalamus can control our body temperature by sending signals to our blood vessels, sweat glands, and muscles.

Essential Functions for the Flexibility in the Nervous System

The essential functions for the nervous system’s flexibility are neuroplasticity, synaptic plasticity, myelination, inflammation, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

In summary, neuroplasticity involves changes in the strength and connectivity of neural pathways, the growth of new neurons, and the rewiring of existing neural circuits.

Synaptic plasticity refers to changes in the strength and structure of connections between neurons.

Myelination is the formation of a protective sheath around nerve fibers, which allows for faster and more efficient signal transmission.

Chronic inflammation can lead to the breakdown of myelin and damage to neurons, contributing to neurological disorders.

Hormones and neurotransmitters are chemical messengers for the functioning of the nervous system.

An inflexible and damaged nervous system can show numerous signs and symptoms. The symptoms of nervous system disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder and the area of the nervous system affected. Neurologists can detect and treat them.

Symptoms of Neurological Disorders

Based on a comprehensive literature review, the most common symptoms of neurological disorders are:

changes in sensations, numbness, nerve compression, paralysis, weak muscles, lack of coordination, losing balance, cognitive decline or impairment, behavioral changes, seizures, migraines, blurred vision, difficulty speaking and hearing, and mobility issues.

Conclusions

The nervous system is highly complex and studied by neuroscientists covering many disciplines who seek to understand the nervous system at all levels of analysis.

From a health perspective, neurology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.

Therefore, if you have symptoms of nervous system disorders, you will need to be referred to neurologists by your family physician. They can diagnose and treat your condition.

The key takeaway from this story is not to overload the nervous system even with good things like exercise or reading. Both excessive physical and mental stress can upset the nervous system. I met some people who experienced a nervous breakdown and regretted it.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.