Neuroplasticity and Modern Therapy

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

For a long time, scientists believed that at a certain point in adolescence or adulthood, the brain was ‘hard wired’ into place. Think about the expression: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This old adage enforces the old idea that it was difficult if not impossible for an older brain to adapt, learn, rewire, and change.

However, in the middle of the 20th century, scientists began to uncover more and more about neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity combines the term 'neural,' which relates to neurons and the nervous system, with 'plastic,' signifying flexibility and adaptability. In essence, neuroplasticity states that the brain is capable of flexing, changing, and rewiring. Thus, science shows that you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks.

Many modern therapies are grounded in the idea of neuroplasticity. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is built on the idea that—through intentional thinking patterns—the brain can actually be rewired to support more positive, optimistic, or neutral thinking patterns. 

Science shows you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks

This ‘rewiring’ actually happens by crafting a new neural path over and over again until that neural path becomes the new path of least resistance. However, this process takes immense time and energy, and requires the brain to stimulate new neurons and new connections.

This process of rewiring in the brain is much like the difference between traversing an established, well-worn path and a path that is still full of brush, grass, and foliage.The established path takes much less time and energy, and is clearly the ‘path of least resistance.’ However, if the traveler continuously travels the road less traveled by, it will eventually become well-worn and easier to traverse.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) also implicitly relies on this concept of neuroplasticity. With MBSR, the brain is learning to be mindful, non-judgemental, and open-hearted when confronted with the stimuli of day-to-day life. Behind the scenes, though, the brain is being rewired to respond to external stimuli with this new thinking pattern. In this case, the brain is also stimulating new neurons and new connections.

Regardless of the modality, many modern therapies are grounded in the idea of ‘rewiring’ the brain to create more positive perceptions and thinking patterns.

Neuroplasticity and Lions Mane 

What is Lion’s Mane?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a functional, medicinal mushroom that often grows on hardwood trees in temperate forests, like those in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Lion's Mane gets its name from its cascading appearance that resembles the mane of a lion.

This medicinal mushroom has been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine to improve vigor, strength, vitality, and improve the nervous system.

How Lion’s Mane Supports Neuroplasticity

Lion’s Mane contains two compounds that are responsible for many of its positive effects on the nervous system: hericenones and erinacines. 

Hericenones are primarily found in the Lion’s Mane mushroom fruiting body (the part of the mushroom that we see above the ground/outside the log), and the erinacines are primarily found in the mycelium (the ‘root system’ that is in the substrate, such as the ground or the log).

These two compounds are thought to help stimulate what is known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)  and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which are the mechanisms by which Lion’s Mane can improve neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Research has shown that Lion’s Mane can boost Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). 

NGF is a neurotrophic protein that plays a vital role in the development, maintenance, and longevity of neurons. 

Because Hericenones and Erinacines are easily able to cross the blood brain barrier, Lion’s Mane is an excellent way to promote NGF in the brain. 

NGF is particularly important for the brain's capacity to generate new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Research has also demonstrated that Lion’s Mane can promote Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).

BDNF is critical for neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to create new mappings and connections by forming new neurons and new neural connections. 

Neuroplasticity is a foundational element of essential functions in the brain like learning, the consolidation of memories, and the ability to adapt to new information. Essentially, neuroplasticity demonstrates that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks. 

Neuroplasticity, Therapy, and Lions Mane

If neuroplasticity is an essential foundation of modern therapy, then increasing neuroplasticity and promoting neurogenesis could potentially accelerate therapeutic benefits. 

Based on this reasoning, any factor that supports neurogenesis and neuroplasticity may enhance the effectiveness of therapy. If Lion's Mane could play a role in this process, then incorporating it as a supplement could offer additional support for enhancing the brain's adaptability and the overall impact of therapy.

In addition to Lion’s Mane’s ability to improve neuroplasticity, it also may be able to support depression and anxiety levels. One double-blind controlled study of 30 females compared Lion’s Mane with a placebo. 

This study found that Lion's Mane stimulated nerve growth factor (NGF) and helped reduce stress according to the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Indefinite Complaints Index (ICI). These findings suggest that Lion's Mane could have the potential to reduce anxiety and depression when taken long-term. If Lion’s Mane was able to aid in reducing anxiety and depression levels, it could be a beneficial partner to a therapy routine.  

Further Support

While Lion’s Mane mushroom shows promise in supporting neuroplasticity and enhancing mental health, it should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities are evidence-based practices provided by trained professionals to address specific mental health needs. If you’re considering adding Lion’s Mane or any supplement to your routine, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health profile and circumstances.