Neuromodulators are important chemicals in our brains. They help our brains adapt and change. This ability to adapt is called neural plasticity.

Some common neuromodulators include:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine

Instead of directly turning brain signals on or off, these substances help control how much activity happens in our brain cells.

Here are some key ways neuromodulators affect us:

1. Synaptic Plasticity:

   • Dopamine helps strengthen the connections between brain cells.
   • This makes it easier for us to learn new things and remember them.

2. Stress Response:

   • Cortisol, a hormone released during stress, can make it harder for our brains to adapt.
   • This can affect how well we learn when we're feeling stressed.

3. Mood and Motivation:

   • Serotonin plays a big role in how we feel.
   • It affects our mood and helps us adapt to new information.

By understanding how these chemicals work, we can find better treatments for mental health problems and diseases that affect our brains as we get older.