Chapter 7: Infant, child, teenage brain. Chapter 8; Adult + Aging brain Flashcards
What is synaptic pruning and how is it decided
A babies brain developes 50% more synapses than adults, so it gets rid of synpases based on the child’s experiences
Explain the teenage brain and it’s developments
Large capacity to learn, myelin increases meaning faster thoughts, more synaptic pruning,
What contibutes to the higher chance of addiction in teenage brains
The large development in corpus callosum, limbic system and frontal region enhances risk taking causing a higher chance of addiction
At what age does the brain stop developing?
30 years old
What is plasticity
The modification and adaptation of the brain
What is experience-expectent platsiticy
integrated environemental situations that are universal, like recongition of faces and hearing langauge
what is experience-dependent plasticity
life experiences that are unique and personal, like me playing the harp
When does white matter volume peak
your 40’s
what is the relationships between white mater and gray matter as you age
more white matter than gray matter
What years does intelligence peak
25-60years
What happens to the brain cognitevely?
Declarative memory declines, nondeclarative memory remains. Working memory also declines and attention is easily distracted
What happens to the brain strucurealy?
Volume declines, some areas more than others (PFC, hippocampus, cerebellum) loss of myelin and degenerating neurons. The cortex also thins
What happens to the brain Neuronaly?
Loss of dendrite complexity, thin spines and neurogenesis declines as you age.
What happens to the brain chemically
neurotrasnmitter population decreases as well as dopamine and serotonin levels
why does the brain age
genes that control synaptic plasticity are less expressed in elders brains
Explain how oxidative stress contributes the brain aging and damaging as well as the brains high demand for energy
mitochondrial by products destroy fats and proteins vital to normal cell function wich can damage DNA and make the brain more vulrenable. The brain also demands 20% of energy so the supply can’t keep up
Explain how immune dysfunction contributes to an aging brain
microglia, cleaners for neurons, become more reactive with age and increase inflammatory responses
Explain how protein recylcling contributes to an aging brain
build up of proteins means cell degeneration and the brain, as it ages, can’t recycle those dead cells so it’s deadly
What are the 4 things for a healthy brain
Diet
Exercise
Mental Stimulation
Active Social Network
Explain Diet and Exercise for a healthy brain
Vitamins c and E as well as omega 3 acids, a good diet, aerobic workouts all imporve cognitive function and neuroplasticity
Explain mental stimulation and social networks for a healthy brain
Reading, puzzles, and musical instruments slow cognitive decline. Active social life means good cognition
