Stroke and neuroplasticity

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in modern countries. Clinical manifestation of stroke is rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. Neuroplasticity, also known as cortical mapping, challenges the idea that brain functions are fixed in certain time. It refers to ability of the human brain to change as result of one’s experience, that the brain is »plastic« and »flexible«. Neuroplasticity can act through two possible mechanisms on stroke disability- prevention and treatment of neurological deficit (cognitive impairment). Normal aging process and many different neurological disorders like stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain trauma contribute to the decline of our cognitive abilities. Practicing mental stimulation improves memory and attention. The basis of the mental health is the control of conventional cerebrovascular risk factors, practice of physical activity, healthy nutrition, stress management and mental stimulation. Challenging the brain with different tasks creates new neural connections and intensive exercise leads to improvement in neuroplasticity