Plasticity and functional recovery

• What is the term used for the brain's ability to change and adapt its structure and function as a result of experience?

  Plasticity
• What does the term 'localisation of function' refer to?


  The specific localization of functions in different areas of the brain
• What is the definition of plasticity based on the localisation of function lesson?


  Plasticity is the brain's tendency to change and adapt its structure and function as a result of experience and new learning
• How did researchers' views on brain changes evolve over time?


  They previously believed changes only occurred during infancy and childhood, but now recognize that the brain continues to adapt throughout life
• What environmental factors can affect neuronal structure and function?


  Life experience, juggling, video games, and meditation
• What were the key findings of Maguire et al. (2000) regarding London taxi drivers?


  • Taxi drivers had more grey matter in the posterior hippocampus than controls
  • Both left and right hippocampus volumes were higher in taxi drivers
  • Positive correlation between hippocampus volume and time spent as a taxi driver
• What was the mean age of the taxi drivers in Maguire et al. (2000) study?


  44 years
• What is the relationship between the hippocampus and memory?


  The hippocampus is associated with memory and the development of spatial skills
• What does functional recovery refer to?


  Functional recovery refers to the brain's ability to redistribute functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas after trauma
• What is spontaneous recovery in the context of functional recovery?

  Spontaneous recovery is the quick recovery process that occurs immediately after trauma
• What are the examples of structural changes in the brain due to neuronal activation?


  • Axonal sprouting: growth of new nerve endings
  • Reformation of blood vessels
  • Recruitment of similar areas on the opposite side of the brain
• What is negative plasticity?

  Negative plasticity refers to maladaptive behavioral consequences of the brain's ability to rewire itself
• How does prolonged drug use affect cognitive functioning?


  It can result in poorer cognitive functioning and an increased risk of dementia
• What factors can influence the likelihood of recovery after brain injury?


  • Age
  • Educational attainment
  • Type of injury
• How does educational attainment affect recovery from brain injury?


  Patients with a university education are 7 times more likely to be disability-free one year after a moderate-severe brain injury
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using animal research in studies of plasticity?


  Strengths:

  • Provides insights into brain function

  Weaknesses:

  • Results may not generalize to humans due to higher cognitive functioning
• What is the impact of age on functional plasticity and recovery?


  Functional plasticity and recovery tend to reduce with age
• What did the study on golf training in participants aged 40-60 demonstrate?


  It showed that 40 hours of golf training produced changes in the neural representation of movement
• What is the importance of rehabilitation therapy after a brain injury?


  Rehabilitation therapy is often required to maintain improvements in functioning after spontaneous recovery slows down
• What are the implications of understanding plasticity and functional recovery?


  • Helps develop advice and treatment for brain injuries
  • Informs neuro-rehabilitation practices
• What is the definition of neuronal activation?


  Neuronal activation is the brain's ability to rewire and reorganize itself by forming new synaptic connections
• How many taxi drivers were studied in Maguire et al. (2000)?


  16 taxi drivers
• What was the age range of the taxi drivers in the study?

  32–62 years
• What did the findings of Maguire et al. (2000) show regarding the taxi drivers' brains?


  The findings showed that taxi drivers had significantly more grey matter in the posterior hippocampus than the control group
• What is the relationship between the volume of the hippocampus and time spent as a taxi driver?


  There is a positive correlation between the volume of the hippocampus and time spent as a taxi driver
• How does the brain adapt after trauma according to the concept of functional recovery?


  The brain can transfer functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas
• What is the role of axonal sprouting in neuronal activation?


  Axonal sprouting involves the growth of new nerve endings that connect with undamaged nerve cells
• What techniques are used in neuro-rehabilitation to aid functional recovery?


  Techniques include movement therapy and electrical stimulation of the brain
• What is the significance of the case study on Jody in relation to functional recovery?


  The case study illustrates how the brain can adapt and recover functions after trauma
• What is the impact of educational attainment on recovery from brain injury?


  Higher educational attainment is associated with better recovery outcomes
• What is the importance of understanding plasticity in the context of brain injuries?


  Understanding plasticity can help develop effective treatments and rehabilitation strategies for brain injuries
• How does the brain's ability to show plasticity change across the lifespan?


  The brain's ability to show plasticity tends to decrease with age
• What is the significance of the research on plasticity using animal models?


  It raises questions about the generalizability of findings to human plasticity due to differences in cognitive functioning