Contents

#### **Preface XI**


Preface

Neuroplasticity associated with a neuronal network capacity to change and the brain's abili‐ ty to reorganize is a key process in human development and existence. The nervous system is chiefly responsible for concerted functioning of a logical sequence: prognosticate, plan and correlate widely divergent information by controlling bodily activities. This phenomen‐ on is presumably a result of all neural circuits' activity; therefore, the degree of complexity in neural circuitry may determine the degree of functioning. The neuronal connectome forms the basis for communication; furthermore, its overall level may result in different lev‐ els of plasticity. For the last decade, the available information concerning mechanisms and significance of neuroplastic changes within the central and peripheral nervous systems has been significantly increased. Medical reports describe the extensive decline in the quality of life of patients suffering from neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental syndromes that

Neuroplasticity today is an important subject of neuroscience, medicine, bioinformatics, computer sciences, philosophy and other disciplines. It is theoretically impossible to give an overview of all aspects of this process; many specialized reviews dealing with the most com‐ mon mechanisms of neuroplasticity have been published. In the present book we give read‐ ers cutting-edge reports on neuronal adaptations, brain dynamics, brain reorganization in early development along with late adulthood, the role of music in plastic changes, as well as brain changes associated with sleep and autoimmune disorders. These studies will provide a framework to seek a fundamental understanding of modulatory systems involved in neu‐

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the structural and functional changes as‐ sociated with cortical remapping, sensory substitution, synaptic and non-synaptic compen‐ satory plasticity due to brain damage, brain training, chronic pain, meditation, music, exercise and related states. This book also suggests possible strategies for therapeutic inter‐ vention and design of habilitative and special educational programs. Using systemic transla‐ tional analysis of different pathways of neuronal reorganization, we will gain mechanistic insight into how nervous systems function and adapt to change. Continuing effort in this field will be the basis to unravel the enigma of neuroplasticity leading to the eventual goal

> **Dr. Victor V. Chaban** Professor of Medicine

University of California Los Angeles, USA

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

contribute to personal suffering, disability and high medical costs.

of our research: to apply new knowledge to targeted therapy.

ral reorganization and adaptation.
