Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to grow new brain cells (neurons) and new cells that support the health of neurons (glia) throughout life. The more neuroplastic the brain the more the can can learn and adapt to life’s ever-changing circumstances. Factors such as advanced age, head injury, and excessive alcohol consumption reduce neuroplasticity. Physical exercise, good sleep, and regular meditation can maintain or increase it. The factor that plays the biggest role in reducing neuroplasticity is stress. The greater the intensity and duration of the stress the less flexible and adaptable the brain becomes. Neuroscience has demonstrated that high stress and low neuroplasticity are associated with severe, treatment-resistant depression. When neuroplasticity and brain adaptability are low psychotherapy is much less effective. It is now understood that if agents are used to boost neuroplasticity and brain plasticity people are much receptive to and likely to benefit from psychotherapy. There are at least two agents proven to have this effect – psychedlics such as MDMA and psilocybin and Ketamine infusions. Ketamine works because it blocks the brain’s major excitatory neurotansmitter glutamate from binding to its receptors. Dr. Gerard Sancacora at the Yale Depression Research Project is one of a number of psychiatrists involved in the study of Rilutek (generic name Rilozole) for treatment of severe depression that resists all other treatments. This drug, which the FDA approved for treatment of ALS, inhibits glutamate release in the brain. As of yet no large scale studies have been done on Rilutek but it does show promise.
