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Neuronal Resilience

Meaning

Neuronal resilience is the intrinsic, vital capacity of individual neurons and complex neural circuits to effectively resist, adapt to, and rapidly recover from various chronic stressors, acute insults, or ongoing pathological conditions, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and adverse hormonal fluctuations. This crucial characteristic reflects the brain’s inherent neuroplasticity and its remarkable ability to maintain structural and functional integrity despite chronic, accumulating challenges, contributing directly to cognitive reserve and sustained mental well-being throughout the entire lifespan. Hormones, particularly the neurosteroids and essential thyroid hormones, are key endogenous modulators that enhance the molecular machinery supporting this critical adaptive capacity.