Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have revealed that the human brain's capacity for neuroplasticity extends well into adulthood, challenging the long-held assumption that neural development ceases after adolescence. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) demonstrate that adults who engage in sustained learning of new skills, such as a second language or a musical instrument, exhibit increased gray matter density in regions associated with memory and executive function. Furthermore, this adaptive capacity appears to be modulated by environmental factors, including physical exercise and social interaction, which promote the release of neurotrophic factors that support synaptic growth. However, researchers caution that the extent of plasticity is not uniform across all cognitive domains; while sensory and motor cortices show remarkable flexibility, higher-order functions like abstract reasoning may be more resistant to change. These findings have profound implications for educational policy, suggesting that lifelong learning initiatives could mitigate age-related cognitive decline and enhance mental well-being in older populations.
❓ What is the main finding of the research described in the passage?
A. A) The adult brain is completely fixed and unable to change after adolescence.
B. B) Neuroplasticity in adults is limited to sensory and motor areas only.
C. C) The adult brain retains significant plasticity, which can be influenced by environmental factors and learning.
D. D) Lifelong learning has no effect on cognitive function in older adults.
✅ 正确答案
C) The adult brain retains significant plasticity, which can be influenced by environmental factors and learning.
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