Plasitcity and Recovery of the brain

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

Refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience

Question 2

Functional recovery

Answer 2

Refers to the recovery of abilities and mental processes that have been comprised as a result of brain injury or disease

Question 3

Kuhn et al (2014) (AO1)

Answer 3

Found a significant increase in grey matter in cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum in a group playing Super Mario for 30 mins per day for 2 months compared to a control group

Question 4

What have researchers concluded from Video gaming?

Answer 4

Video game training had resulted in new synaptic connections in areas involved in spatial navigation, strategic planning, working memory and motor performance.

Question 5

Davidson et al (2004)

Answer 5

Compared 8 practitioners of Tibetan meditation Vs 10 students- control group. Found greater gamma wave activity in meditation group Vs control.

Question 6

What have researchers concluded from meditation?

Answer 6

Short term changes in brain activity. Sometimes may permanent changes based on more gamma wave activity before meditating than the control group.

Question 7

Kemperman et al 1998 (AO3) Animal studies Plasticity

Answer 7

Found an increased number of neurons in the brains of rats brought up in a complex environment compared to laboratory cages.

Question 8

Maguire et al 2000 (AO3) Human studies Plasticity

Answer 8

Rats in a complex environment had an increased number of neurons in the hippocampus – part of the brain associated with forming new memories and the ability to navigate from one location to another.

Question 9

what are the mechanisms the brain does to recovers?

Answer 9

-Swelling reduction
- Axonal sprouting
- Neural Unmasking
-