The power of neuroplasticity and creating optimum brain development in children

The brain has an incredible ability to change, reorganise and grow new neural networks in response to new experiences or learning: this is what is meant by neuroplasticity. 

This fascinating process can happen at any age and informs our NeuroMature Programmes, which create new neural pathways in the brain by maturing the nervous system. This is particularly helpful for children who have learning difficulties, as the root cause is often what is known as retained primitive reflexes, which help the nervous system to develop in infancy. 

By the time a child reaches their first birthday, these reflexes should have all been inhibited. However, sometimes they get ‘stuck’ in place, never completing their work and locking the nervous system in a state of immaturity.

This immaturity makes school life very difficult; interfering with reading, writing, balance, coordination, sports and fine motor skills.

Movement creates change in the brain

Key NeuroMature Therapy uses simple, precise exercises to inhibit primitive reflexes, overcoming blockages, which in turn creates change in the brain’s neural pathways. The idea of neurogenesis (that the brain can form new neurons) underpins our NeuroMature Therapy, as it is the movement that creates change. 

A new book exploring the power of neuroplasticity also elaborates on the relationship between neuroplasticity and movement: ‘12 Weeks to a Sharper You’ spans 20 years of research and has just been published by top neurosurgeon and Chief CNN Medical Correspondent, Dr Sanjay Gupta. His ideas and recommendations are very aligned with the therapies we provide at The Key Clinic.

One of Dr Gupta's main messages is to reconsider our notion of exercise and the importance of moving our bodies in order to encourage optimum brain health. He explains that regular movement throughout the day is incredibly beneficial for the brain. Walking in particular, he says, is the single most important thing you can do to enhance brain functioning - as the neurotrophic factors that promote neurogenesis are released during a daily walk in nature. This leads to reduced brain fog and improved focus and attention. 

Movement also releases a protein substance known as BFNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). This protein promotes the survival of nerve cells (neurons) by playing a role in the growth, maturation (differentiation) and maintenance of these cells.

Dr Gupta recommends walking daily - even if it’s just for two minutes every hour - but also to aim to walk swiftly for 30 minutes a day. Even better, do it with a friend for extra benefits, as he told Men’s Health: “moving, socialising and releasing stress is a ‘brain trifecta’ (that will) measurably detoxify your brain”.

Movement is essential for children’s brain development.

Creating optimum brain health 

We have selected some of his other top tips to cultivate optimum brain-health which we hope will be beneficial:-

Integrate the 'Mind diet' - this is based on a Mediterranean diet of green vegetables, good olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish, chicken, whole grains and berries. This boosts the brain and is proven to slow down cognitive decline as well as reducing blood pressure and depressive symptoms. 

Reduce salt - High levels of salt harm the brain directly, as a build up of tau proteins lead to cognitive impairment and eventually dementia. 

Increase water intake - Dehydration affects attention, memory and other cognitive skills.

Focus on breathing - deeply, twice a day. Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus area of the brain that is responsible for memory. Focusing on deep breathing reduces stress and preserves cells vital to memory. Close your eyes and aim to relax your body and release the tension in your body. There are many great breathing techniques which we teach our clients, such as focusing on a longer outbreath. Dr Gupta suggests breathing in through the nose, as far as you can and then breathing out slowly, to a count of 20, repeating this five times. 

Breathwrk is a brilliant app with hundreds of exercises for adults and children. 

More social activity and connection - Dr Gupta also recommends more social activity and connection with others and to focus on nurturing these relationships as well. This in turn stimulates attention, memory and helps to strengthen neural networks. Research shows that individuals with large social networks are better protected against the cognitive declines related to Alzheimer’s than those with smaller networks.

If you would like to help your child achieve their full neurological potential, contact our friendly team today to discuss.