Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s ability to “rewire” itself — to form and change synaptic connections, usually in response to changing experience or patterns of life, or as a way of routing around brain injury. The word came into use in the latter part of the 20th century as the scientific consensus changed from the older view that once developed in infancy the brain remained largely static, new research demonstrating that the brain remains remarkably changeable or “plastic” throughout life.