The concept of 'neuroplasticity' has revolutionized our understanding of the human brain. Historically, scientists believed that the adult brain was structurally fixed, with neural circuits becoming immutable after a critical period in childhood. However, recent research demonstrates that the brain retains a remarkable capacity for reorganization throughout life, adapting to new experiences, learning, and even injury. This plasticity occurs at multiple levels, from synaptic strengthening between individual neurons to large-scale cortical remapping, where functions such as movement or sensation can shift to adjacent brain regions following damage. While this adaptability is generally beneficial, it also has a downside: maladaptive plasticity can contribute to chronic pain or phantom limb sensations. Therefore, therapeutic interventions increasingly aim to harness positive plasticity while minimizing negative outcomes, for instance through targeted cognitive training or non-invasive brain stimulation.
❓ Согласно тексту, каково ключевое значение нейропластичности для медицинского лечения?
A. A) Взрослый мозг полностью фиксирован и не может изменяться после детства.
B. B) Терапии могут быть разработаны для стимулирования полезных изменений в мозге и уменьшения вредных.
C. C) Перестройка мозга происходит только в ответ на травму и никогда у здоровых людей.
D. D) Нейропластичность всегда приводит к положительным результатам для пациентов.
✅ 正确答案
B) Therapies can be designed to encourage beneficial brain changes and reduce harmful ones.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
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