negative plasticity

• evidence has shown that negative behaviours can also influence brain plasticity
• for example, Medina et al 2007 found that prolonged drug use leads to poorer cognitive functioning in later life such as increased risk of dementia
• 60-80% of amputees also experience a phenomenon called 'phantom limb' syndrome which is where people experience sensations in their missing limb as if it was still there. These sensations are often unpleasant and is due to to faulty processing in the somatosensory cortex
• the brain's ability to rewire itself can sometimes have maladaptive behavioural consequences