Plasticity and functional recovery

Question 1

Explain what is meant by plasticity?

Answer 1

• the brains ability to change and adapt, structurally and functionally because of experiences
• referred to as neuroplasticity
  -now evidence to show that at anytime in life the brain can create new neural pathways and alter existing ones in response to life experience and learning

Question 2

What is synaptic pruning?

Answer 2

-unused/weaker neuronal connections are eliminated whilst frequently used/stronger connections are retained

Question 3

What is synaptogenesis?

Answer 3

-new neuronal connections are created due to use and new experience/stimuli

Question 4

Discuss research study about 60 year olds juggling?

Answer 4

• 60 year olds were taught juggling
• noticed an increase in grey matter, in the visual cortex, but when they stopped practicing the changes reversed- experienced synaptic pruning

Question 5

Factors of plasticity?

Answer 5

-age
-physiotherapy
-rehabilitation
-commitment/motivation
-good physical health
-severity of damage caused

Question 6

What is neural regeneration?

Answer 6

-Axon sprouting occurs , where new nerve endings grow and connect with undamaged areas which compensate for damaged ones

Question 7

What is neural reorganisation?

Answer 7

-functions controlled by damaged areas can be transferred to the homologous areas on the opposite side of the brain as well as other undamaged areas

Question 8

Describe Danielle et al (2003) case study about EB?

Answer 8

-EB had almost his entire left hemisphere removed at 2.5 years old, to remove a large tumour
-immediately lost any language abilities but with intensive rehab, 2 years later, no language problems were evident
-age 17 he was tested again and was slower at naming objects in pictures
-shows full recovery is not always possible
-reliable evidence as they came back and tested him years later