BRAIN PLASTICITY AND BRAIN DAMAGE

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

The ability of the brain to change in response to experience (such as growth - wakling, singing, running, talking or in response to damage or injury)

Question 2

Children VS adults

Answer 2

Children have many paths between neurons but as they get older, those that are not used disappear and those that are used strengthen. Children have more plasticity whereas adults have less.

Question 3

Synaptogenesis

Answer 3

The formation of new synapses between the brain’s neurons

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

Is the place where neighbouring neurons connect and communicate - where messages are passed from axon terminals to dendrites

Question 5

Synaptic Pruning:

Answer 5

• Is the elimination of weak unused synaptic connections (eg: baby’s hold your finger, as they get older, then they don’t)
• “Use it or lose it”

Question 6

Brain Injuries

Answer 6

Refer to any brain damage that interferes with the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently.

Question 7

Sudden onset

Answer 7

Caused by trauma, infection, lack of oxygen, stroke, drugs

Question 8

Insidious onset

Answer 8

Prolonged alcohol, substance abuse, tumours, degenerative neurological disease

Question 9

Spatial neglect

Answer 9

In parietal lobe

Damage to left side = issues seeing right

Question 10

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 10

• progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects the control of body movements
• Destroys dopamine producing neurons –> Without these dopamine producing cells the brain’s ability to control movement is comprised
• Idiopathic (unknown origin of illness are unknown)

Question 11

Role of Dopamine in Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 11

STOPS smooth muscle movement
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is important for smooth muscle movement. When someone has Parkinson’s disease, the Dopamine producing hormone breaks down, and does not produce as much, and therefore, not enough dopamine is received by the brain which makes the person have tremors, rigidity and slow muscle movement

Question 12

Symptoms of parkinson’s disease

Answer 12

Motor Symptoms:
- Resting tremors - continues involuntary shaking of the body
- Muscle rigidity (stiffness) - muscle is unable to relax
- Slowness of movement - trouble initiating and executing movement
- Postural instability - balance problems
Non-motor Symptoms:
- Depression/anxiety
- Loss of sense of smell