"About a decade ago, neuroscientists at the University College London published some fascinating research on the brain size and structure of London taxi drivers. In short: the cabbies' brains were plumper than those of their peers, and particularly in the hippocampus region, which is closely associated with memory. Over years of traversing the capital's inner maze of over 25,000 streets, these drivers seem to literally develop more grey matter. Their neural networks had become as complex as the city they were navigating."
"This is one of the most illustrative examples we've got of "neuroplasticity," or the brain's ability to reorganize itself, by forming new neural connections throughout life. Why would we want this sort of restructuring to begin with? Well, an ever-rewiring brain is also a more resilient (or "youthful") one. The more you seek out neuroplasticity, the likelier you are to remember things, learn new skills, adapt to environments and protect yourself from cognitive decline."
Long-term navigation training among London taxi drivers correlates with increased brain volume, especially in the hippocampus, which supports memory. Years of navigating over 25,000 streets coincide with more grey matter and more complex neural networks. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's lifelong ability to form new neural connections and reorganize itself. An ever-rewiring brain tends to be more resilient and youthful. Pursuing neuroplasticity enhances memory, skill learning, environmental adaptation, and protection from cognitive decline. Neuroplasticity also underlies stroke rehabilitation, where repetitive tasks and therapies help patients redevelop cognitive functioning and make measurable progress.
Read at InsideHook
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