The effects of exercise and brain stimulation on neuroplasticity and cognition

The brain is a highly dynamic organ which is continually changing. This inherent capacity for neuroplasticity underlies our ability to learn new skills and adapt to our environment. Unfortunately, impairments in neuroplasticity underlie several brain disorders, and we currently lack effective treatments and prevention strategies. In this thesis, I investigated the effects of exercise and brain stimulation on neuroplasticity. I found that regular exercise is associated with improved integrity/function in regions supporting memory function (i.e. hippocampus), however my findings questioned whether brain stimulation is capable of selectively modulating brain networks. These findings inform novel approaches to remediate impaired neuroplasticity.