Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Define neuroplasticity
Process of development, reorganization and repair of the neural system in order to adapt to extrinsic and/intrinsic changes in a physiological or pathological context.
Define learning
Adaptation process of gaining or modifying information in the cortical and subcortical areas, changing structure and function in order to enhance the effectivity in daily life activity.
What is a growth cone ?
It’s the frontal part of an axon which can develop or grow in one direction depending on the needs and stimulation. This development will be seen in every learning, adaptation, repair process.
What is a cluster of neurons ?
A group of neurons that migrated to a similar position during embryonary development that are able to facilitate the same faculty or are involved in similar activities. A cluster is called a node. Nodes posses hubs-specific group of neurons capable of connecting with other nodes. This creates overlapping.
Define neurotrophic factors
Molecules responsible for initiating neural structural development and maintenance processes under stimulation. They are found in different configuration in the central and peripheral nervous system.
What are the two types of neurotrophic factors ?
- brain derived neurotrophic factor
- glial cell derived neurotrophic factor
Define brain derived neurotrophic factor
It is mainly found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and basal nuclei. Its production and release increase when processes of learning, memory consolidation and reasoning are in place.
What are the functions of brain derived neurotrophic factor ?
The brain derived neurotrophic factor maintains the neuronal structure. Low levels of this substance are observe in cases of depression, schizophrenia and dementia, with an increase of the substance showing a reduction of cognitive symptoms.
What are the functions of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor ?
GDNF is produced and released by glial cell and their main function is to assure cell survival, growth, differentiation and migration at an embryonary stage.
What is the main glial cell derived neurotrophic factor found in the encephalon ? What is its function ?
The main GDNF found in encephalon is the growth neurotrophic factor GNF, which main function is to prevent apoptosis of motor and dopaminergic neurons.
What are the secondary type of GDNF found in encephalon ?
- neurorin
- persephin
- artemin
How to support neuroplasticity ?
- substances
- self strategy (top-down process)
- cognitive load
- sensory augmentation
Explain the top down strategy
Part of the strategies to support neuroplasticity, allowing the nervous system to deal with inputs - receive, combine, interpret. The learning effect is greater showing significantly better motor outcomes if individual develops motor strategies themself compared to strategies imposed by someone else.
Explain how sensory augmentation supports neural plasticity ?
Sensory augmentation promotes higher cortical activation in primary and secondary areas, facilitating interpretation and selection processes in S1, V1,V2,V3, AC, PFC, SMA and speech centers.
Explain the impact of cognitive load (training) in neural plasticity
The use of cognitive aspects like attention (dual task), memory and reasoning show significant impact in motor learning process for patients with acquired brain injuries, reducing the rehabilitation time and producing better motor outcomes in comparison to conditioned tasks.
