Plasticity
b'A marvelous body of knowledge, theories, and technical advancements have occurred since the turn of the century when Eric Kandel won the Nobel prize. His life work was fundamental to the discovery of chemical processes that occur and change with short-term and long-term memory in all animals that have a nervous system; and particular in his scientific proof that the brain is not a static and hard-wired machine, incapable of changing \\u2013 but a constantly adapting system capable of changing itself.\\nNumerous significant contributors have played a role in this growing body of accelerated understanding during the past two decades since this amazing discovery was officially documented and recognized, especially in consideration of the concomitant rapid technological advancements \\u2013 particularly in relation to diagnostic imaging. It would be impossible to give comprehensive recognition to each contributor, and no attempt here is made to that end. \\nNOTEWORTHY CONTRIBUTORS\\nExceptionally noteworthy colleagues include Dr. Norman Doidge, and Dr. Frederick Carrick. Interestingly enough, both are from Canada. Dr. Carrick\\u2019s contribution to the field of plasticity is considerable and substantial. Dr. Doidge\\u2019s contribution to plasticity is immense and far reaching.\\nMany decades ago, Dr. Carrick began training other practitioners \\u2013 using the latest research available at the time \\u2013 on techniques to restore brain function. Since the beginning of his career, he has trained thousands of medical practitioners, been awarded additional graduate diplomas from prestigious schools such as Harvard University, conducted his own breakthrough peer-reviewed scientific research with contributions to numerous noteworthy journals, founded a network of schools that train medical professionals throughout the world, and is a professor at a US News top-ranked school. His most important contributions have included his advancements in recovery of comatose patients, his work on balance and gait, and his unique perspectives and techniques regarding brain function and methodology for recovery.\\nDr. Doidge is a psychiatrist who is best known for his book: The Brain the Changes Itself. With over a million copies sold, Dr. Doidge has helped countless people to understand what is possible in restoring the brain to its healthy state. He has received many honors \\u2013 including literary honors, been featured on numerous video broadcasts, lectured at numerous well-known universities and prestigious organizations, and been featured by the best known news networks. In addition to helping make brain plasticity popular, Dr. Doidge has been involved with the creation of devices used to treat the brain, is a vibrant contributor to the body of scientific research, has devised methods for overcoming serious brain abnormalities, and has compiled an impressive volume of case studies regarding people whose brains have been healed through principles of neuroplasticity.\\n\\n\\nA PERSONAL INDULGENCE\\nIt\\u2019s clear to see why both of these individuals have impacted the world in a positive and immeasurable way. I would now ask that you please forgive the personal indulgence. Both of these professionals are significant to me (Dr. Hogue), because Dr. Carrick was my professor almost two decades ago, and because I have been following and learning from Dr. Doidge for about 15 years.\\n\\n\\nBASIC PRINCIPLES\\nAt least five components of brain plasticity are important for stroke recovery: NMDA receptor activation, physical exercise, psychological state, neurogenesis, and environment.\\nNDMA Receptor\\nThe NMDA receptor is important for plasticity because this at least one of the mechanisms that is responsible for actually building the nerve connections. It\\u2019s important that we understand something about this receptor so that we can use that knowledge to intentionally build connections in the brain. \\n\\n\\nClosely connected to the NMDA receptor (and much more widely studied by researchers, because of its...'