The Brain’s Ability to Communicate Can Change
The process of neuronal communication occurs very rapidly and messages are sent almost instantaneously. However, in some people, neuronal communication takes longer than in other people or does not happen at all.
The efficiency of communication in our brain depends on many things. One of the most important is the existence and abundance of proper synaptic connections between neurons. If a message cannot get across the synapse to the next neuron, or if there are not enough pathways for the message to travel down, the message can’t be communicated to different areas of the brain.
Plasticity
If something is described as "plastic", this simply means that it has the ability to change. It is now well known that many different elements of the brain’s communication system have the ability to change.
Synaptic plasticity (stronger connections)
The synapse (connection between the neurons) can change in strength. For example, if there is more neurotransmitter crossing the synapse, there is more activation of the receptor sites on the next neuron, which leads to a stronger connection. Like any other form of exercise, synaptic strength will increase if there is repeated and consistent activation of neurons.
Neuronal plasticity (new connections)
In addition to individual synapses being strengthened, the brain communication network as a whole can also be improved. Neuroplasticity simply refers to the ability of neurons to form new synaptic connections with one another. When something new is heard, either existing neuronal pathways are slightly altered or new connections are formed. In this way, constant and repetitive use of language will improve the ability of the brain to change itself and thus brain communication can improve.