Consciousness, brain, neuroplasticity

Abstract

Subjectivity, intentionality, self-awareness and will are major components of consciousness in human beings. Changes in consciousness and its content following different brain processes and malfunction have long been studied. Cognitive sciences assume that brain activities have an infrastructure, but there is also evidence that consciousness itself may change this infrastructure. The two-way influence between brain and consciousness has been at the center of philosophy and less so, of science. This so-called bottom-up and top-down interrelationship is controversial and is the subject of our article. We would like to ask: how does it happen that consciousness may provoke structural changes in the brain? The living brain means continuous changes at the synaptic level with every new experience, with every new process of learning, memorizing or mastering new and existing skills. Synapses are generated and dissolved, while others are preserved, in an ever-changing process of so-called neuroplasticity. Ongoing processes of synaptic reinforcements and decay occur during wakefulness when consciousness is present, but also during sleep when it is mostly absent. We suggest that consciousness influences brain neuroplasticity both during wakefulness as well as sleep in a top-down way. This means that consciousness really activates synaptic flow and changes brain structures and functional organization. The dynamic impact of consciousness on brain never stops despite the relative stationary structure of the brain. Such a process can be a target for medical intervention, e.g., by cognitive training.

The 8 Pillars of Metacognition

“…Consciousness influences brain adaptability both during wakefulness as well as during sleep in a top down way. This means that consciousness really activates synaptic flow and changes brain structures and functional organization [65].…”

Discrimination Exposure and DNA Methylation of Stress-Related Genes in Latina Mothers

“…A further supposition is whether discrimination might be positively adaptive in the sense of heightening awareness and attention to the environment. Such components of consciousness have been suggested to influence brain neuroplasticity, activating synaptic flow and changing brain structures and functional organization (Askenasy and Lehmann, 2013). The present data and the BDNF literature further underscore the imminent need for long-term prospective studies of the role of BDNF in the etiology of stress-related disorders in Latinas exposed to discrimination.…”

“…The current study investigated associations between methylation at specific CpG sites within the NR3C1, FKBP5, and BDNF genes and perceived discrimination during pregnancy and early postpartum in a population of Latina mothers. It was hypothesized that DNA methylation within the NR3C1, FKBP5, and BDNF genes is inversely associated with perceived discrimination in Latina women in the U.S. Exclusion criteria were: (1) currently experiencing severe depressive symptoms as determined by psychiatric interview, (2) history of psychotic or bipolar disorder, or receiving psychotropic therapy, (3) substance dependence in the last two years, (4) fetal anomaly, or (5) life-threatening conditions. These exclusions were adopted to avoid confounders and control for severe mood symptoms with onset before the study time frame.…”

Discrimination exposure and DNA methylation of stress-related genes in Latina mothers

“…A further point of discussion is whether discrimination might be positively adaptive in the sense of heightening awareness and attention to the environment. Such components of consciousness have been suggested to influence brain neuroplasticity, activating synaptic flow and changing brain structures and functional organization (Askenasy and Lehmann, 2013). The present data and the BDNF literature further underscore the imminent need for long-term prospective studies of the role of BDNF in the etiology of stress-related disorders in Latinas exposed to discrimination.…”