Synaptic plasticity - confounding factor in declining mental behavior among Nigerian prison inmates

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity is the change that occurs at synapses, the junctions between neurons that allows them to communicate. and which allows us to acquire new skills, retain memories, and recover from brain injury. The brain is a remarkably adaptive organ. Neurons and the connections between them are continually changing. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain and nervous system’s ability to re-model in response to new information. Being plastic, the brain can change because of behaviour, emotions, external stimuli and injury. These changes in the synaptic junctions have impact on the emotional function and stability of the persons, sometimes leading to behaviours tht are beyond normal. When individuals are confined in a non-conducive place like the prison, individuals concerned may tend to negativisms and this could adversely affect their emotional stability leading to antisocial and under normal behaviours.