Non-invasive brain stimulation and plasticity changes in aging

Abstract

Our conceptualization of brain changes across the lifespan is evolving (Pascual-Leone et al., 2011). There appears to be no period when the brain and its functions are static. Instead, changes are continuous throughout the lifespan, some resulting in benefits, others in functional loss and decline (Park and Reuter-Lorenz, 2009; Pascual-Leone and Taylor, 2011). Therefore, the most suitable framework appears to be that of life-long, continued “developmental” processes that influence each other, and there is a growing need for deeper understanding of brain changes (plasticity) from prenatal states and infancy through childhood into adult and old age...