“New technology confirms that nerve cells can sprout new branches.  For example, Marshall describes cortical regeneration associated with finger-thumb opposition. … New growth is called a neurite until it differentiates into an axon or a dentrite.  Researchers are still learning which chemicals support or hinder the neurogenesis seen in the video.  However, only repeated training makes new dentrites cluster together so they work efficiently as a group.  I haven’t seen research that says how much repetition is needed to produce neuroplasticity.  I’m pretty sure that a few minutes of exercise followed by hours of disuse isn’t enough.”

via Home After a Stroke: Brain Plasticity Will Blow Your Mind.