plasticity and functional recovery L7

• What does brain plasticity refer to?

  It refers to the brain's ability to modify its own structure and function.
• What is functional recovery in the context of brain plasticity?

  It refers to the recovery of abilities and mental structure by creating neural pathways and pruning weak connections.
• How does trauma affect brain cells?

  Trauma can damage brain cells, leading to the need for other parts of the brain to take over their functions.
• What activity can lead to new synaptic connections in the brain?

  Playing video games can result in new synaptic connections.
• What is neural unmasking?

  Neural unmasking is when dormant synapses are reactivated by receiving more neural input than previously.
• Is there a decline in cognitive function with age?

  Yes, there is a gradual decline in cognitive function with age.
• Can older adults still exhibit brain plasticity?

  Yes, even 60-year-olds can still exhibit brain plasticity and increase their grey matter.
• How might stem cells help treat brain damage?

  Stem cells may help by directly replacing damaged cells in the brain.
• What do stem cells secrete that can aid injured cells?

  Stem cells secrete growth factors that can rescue injured cells.
• What did Davidson et al. (2004) find about experienced meditators?

  They found that experienced meditators produced more gamma brain waves than control participants.
• What effect does an enriched environment have on rats according to Kempermann et al. (1998)?

  An enriched environment increases the number of neurons in the brain of rats.
• Which part of the brain showed an increase in neurons in rats housed in complex environments?

  The hippocampus showed an increase in neurons.
• What does the study of taxi drivers by Maguire et al. (2000) demonstrate about brain plasticity?

  It demonstrates that changes in the brain can occur as a result of extensive experience in spatial navigation.
• What was found about the posterior hippocampus of taxi drivers?

  The posterior hippocampus of taxi drivers was significantly larger than that of control participants.
• How was posterior hippocampus volume related to taxi drivers' experience?

  Posterior hippocampus volume was positively correlated with the amount of time spent as a taxi driver.
• What is the commonly accepted view regarding functional plasticity and age?

  It is commonly accepted that functional plasticity reduces with age.
• What do adults with brain trauma require for functional recovery?

  Adults with brain trauma require social support or must develop strategies to deal with cognitive deficits.