neuroplasticity
Pronunciation: nyoo-roh-plas-TIS-ih-tee
The brain's ability to reorganise its neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury — a foundational principle underpinning rehabilitation interventions in older adults post-stroke or injury.
Full Definition
Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of neurons and neural networks to change their structure, function, and connectivity in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. In geriatric rehabilitation, this concept justifies intensive, repetitive, task-specific therapy after neurological events such as stroke, as the brain retains some capacity for functional reorganisation even in advanced age. Editors will encounter the term in rehabilitation program rationale documents, physiotherapy goal-setting notes, and patient education materials. It should be spelled as a single unhyphenated word ('neuroplasticity'), not 'neuro-plasticity.' The term 'brain plasticity' is an acceptable informal synonym but should not be used in formal clinical documents.
Usage
Usage note: One unhyphenated word: 'neuroplasticity.' In patient-facing materials, 'brain plasticity' may be used for clarity, but clinical documents should retain the full technical term.
In Context
- "The program design was grounded in principles of neuroplasticity, with high-repetition, task-specific exercises forming the core of each therapy session." — Stroke rehabilitation program design document
- "Explaining neuroplasticity to the patient helped motivate her to persist with what she initially felt were unnecessarily repetitive exercises." — Patient education material