neuroplasticity Flashcards
synaptic plasticity
the biological process by which specific pattern of synaptic activity result in changes in the synaptic strength and is thought to contribute to learning and memory
what can contribute to the expression of synaptic plasticity?
both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic mechanisms
- presynaptic: with more neurotransmitters
- postsynaptic with more receptors
what happens to the brain when things are learned
the brain does not have to activate as much because it will become more specific and the neuro synapses will be stronger
what is long term potentiation (LTP)
- is the long term increase in synaptic strength
- the dendritic heads are larger which create more synaptic stability
what is BDNF
- brain derived neurotrophic factor
- increase in GF leads to an increase in neurogenesis
- aerobic exercise helps to increase BDHF because O2 helps deliver BDNF
Hebbian Plasticity
- increases in synaptic strength between neurons that fire together
- neurons that wire together fire together
- synaptogenesis
neural networks
is the idea that there are different inputs (triggers) that can all lead to the same output. This is why we should provide many different experiences to our patients to accomplish the same goal
experience dependent plasticity
with repetition of a specific stimulus, the pairing of pre and post synaptic firing, synthesis and activation of proteins which alter the excitability of the neuron
- this can either inhibit or promote the growth of new synapses especially at the dendritic spine
when can changes at the neuronal level start to happen in experience-dependent plasticity
day 4
when could changes at the cortes level start to happen in experience dependent plasticity
day 8-10
experience expectant learning period
during the sensitive period
experience expectant learning lifespan
early in life
experience expectant learning language
development of primary language
is experiment expectant learning general or specific
- general
- well are all exposed to visual stimuli, thus the brain expects it and is highly responsive to it
experience dependent learning lifespan
over the lifespan in response to the environment
experience dependent learning period
no optimal period. You are never too young or old to learn
experience dependent learning language
2nd language (dependent on exposure to the language)
is experience dependent learning general or specific
- specific to the individual and their experiences
what are the 10 principles of neuroplasticity
1) use it or lose it
2) use it or improve it
3) specificity
4) Repetition
5) Intensity
6) Age
7) Salience
8) Time
9) Transference
10) Interference
use it or lose it
failure to “drive” specific brain functions leads to functional degradation.
ex: using a prolonged feeding tube you will lose the natural circuitry for swallowing
Use it or improve it
- Forced use (constraint induced) : increases cortical activation of the remaining cerebral cortex
parameters for forced use
- therapy 5 hrs a day + wear mit 90% of waking hours for 10-15 days
- effective 3-21 month post injury (do not do in the acute setting)
specificity
- the more specific we are at learning motor skills the better we get at the skill
- association with dendritic growth
- motor skill acquisition is shown to change in activation patterns in the motor cortex
- if already learned nothing will change in the cortex
how much repetition is needed
- 300 to 1000 a day
- needs to be relevant, rewarding and geared to individuals need
intensity
- should always be changing speed, processing accuracy, and methods
- improve working memory by adding a cognitive task with the motor task
- use a noise / distractor suppression to either inhibit for enhance outside noises depending on the goals
- types and amount of motor activity may be critical
salience matters
- the pt has to buy into the treatment (how important is the treatment to the pt)
- cognitive, emotional, and motivation processes all play a role by overlapping networks
- the overlap of networks include to prefrontal cortex, cigulate, amygdala, striatum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, insula, and parietal regions
why does age matter
- younger brains have more potential for neuroplasticity
- brain consumes 20% of O2 and Nutrients: older people more difficulty allocating
- neurogenesis occurs over the lifespan however it is more takes more energy as we get older
Interference
cognitive, motor or sensory information that runs “interfere” with a planned goal
- ex: have them do dual tasks to improve attention sills and automatic balance
Transference
- training in one area enhancing the training in another
- consider future plans and think positively to enhance plasticity
where does neuroplasticity occur in
brain circuits not just synapses
when multiple brain modalities are used
there is a greater neuroplasticity and greater learning
rythmic auditory stimulation
walking to a beat assists patients with neurological dysnfunction to ambulate more effectively
unconscious motor learning (the cerebellar factor)
- memories related to movement in the cerebellum are very permanent and well designed
- possibly a factor in plasticity in the motor system; memories are still in tact
what brain regions involves plasticity for memory coordination of movements
the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum
rehabilitation builds upon
methods of visualization, cognitive load, coordintaiton, timing of activity and communication
specifics of neuroplasticity
- training at a faster speed than self- selected speed
- repetition of a task with problem solve (thinking through)
- progressing the difficulty and regular intervals
how to increase the level of difficulty
- adding a cognitive load
- adding different sensory or motor aspects of task
- gait (sensory loading, hip position, GRF)
- sit to stand (biomechanics, activation patterns)
- postural control (static balance and biomechanics)
white matter changes
large scale axonal remodeling and changes in anisotrophy
gray matter changes
- synaptogenesis
- angiogenesis
- glieagenesis
- neurogenesis
- increase in cell size
- increase of interstitial fluid or blood flow
what area of the brain does BDNF assist in the neuroplastic of
cerebellum, hippocampus, SC, cerebral cortex
aerobic exercise enhances the output of the BDF through
- cognitive funciton
- mobility
- gait
what should the task order be in rehab
1) aerobic bout (to prime for neuroplasticity)
2) motor training (to increase LTP and dendrite formation)
