In the fifth decade of life, our brain begins a radical "rewiring" that results in networks becoming more integrated and connected.
  • Anony Moose@lemmy.caEnglish
    14·
    11 months ago

    As somebody that’s turning 40 in 2024, well, that’s terrifying.

    The study mentions that global connectivity actually rises as you age. Since many studies suggest that one of the major effects of psychedelics like psilocybin is to increase neural connectivity and even induce some neuroplasticity, I wonder how that would play out in an older brain?

    Edit: added second paragraph

    • awwwyissss@lemm.ee
      3·
      11 months ago

      Maybe psilocybin could facilitate intentional changes in neutral networks.

      Increasing plasticity of myelinated nerves and neurons might help resolve trauma or change a negative core belief. Maybe it would help with processing a major loss or other life change.

      Of course, turning up plasticity wouldn’t necessarily fix anything, it might just destabilize someone.

      • Anony Moose@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        11 months ago

        Yeah, I’m mostly curious if additionally to the therapeutic benefits of overcoming trauma or changing beliefs, the benefits of neuroplasticity might overcome some of the “freezing” effects of aging as described in the article

  • FrostyCaveman@lemm.ee
    91·
    11 months ago

    The networking changes likely result from the brain reorganizing itself to function as well as it can with dwindling resources and aging “hardware.”

    Sounds a lot like an iPhone