# Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is your brain's lifelong ability to rewire itself, both its structure and its synaptic connections, in response to learning, experience, and injury. It is what lets you form memories, recover from a stroke, and pick up new skills at any age. For longevity, it is the mechanism behind the benefits of exercise, new learning, social contact, and sleep. Those habits protect your thinking and slow age-related decline.

## Sources

- Merzenich MM, Kaas JH, Wall J, Nelson RJ, Sur M, Felleman D. (1983). Topographic reorganization of somatosensory cortical areas 3b and 1 in adult monkeys following restricted deafferentation. Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4522(83)90024-6
- Draganski B, Gaser C, Busch V, Schuierer G, Bogdahn U, May A. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/427311a

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/neuroplasticity · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_