The ongoing physiological process of preserving the brain’s capacity to reorganize itself by forming new synaptic connections and pruning old ones throughout life. Maintenance ensures the sustained ability of the nervous system to learn, adapt to new information, and recover from injury or environmental changes. This dynamic state is essential for cognitive resilience and emotional well-being.
Origin
The concept is fundamental to modern neuroscience, superseding the older view of a fixed adult brain structure. The term “maintenance” emphasizes the need for continuous support to counteract age-related decline in this adaptive capacity. It links behavioral outcomes, such as learning and memory, directly to underlying neurobiological health.
Mechanism
Maintenance is driven by the precise regulation of neurotrophic factors, most notably Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth and survival of neurons and synapses. Hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormone, play a significant modulatory role in synaptic density and function. The process relies on a constant balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling to ensure the efficient encoding and retrieval of information.
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