2.2.3.3 Plasticity & Functional Recovery

• Brain Plasticity = brain's ability to change & adapt functionally and physically as a result of new experiences and learning
• Functional Recovery = type of plasticity; the brain's ability to transfer functions to undamaged areas of the brain after damage
• Research (AO1)

  • Maguire et al (2000)
  • LDN Taxi drivers had a significantly higher volume of grey matter in posterior hippocampus (associated with spatial & navigation skills) compared to control
  • Positive correlation between length of job and how pronounced structural differences were
• Research (AO1)

  • Mechelli et al (2004)
  • Larger parietal cortex in bilingual speakers compared to monolingual control
• Axonal Sprouting = new nerve endings grow, connecting with undamaged nerve cells
• How does the brain recover

  • Axonal Sprouting = new nerve endings grow, connecting with undamaged nerve cells
  • Reformation of Blood Vessels
  • Recruitment of homologous areas = opposite side of the brain performs specific task
• Strength of BP & FR

  • Practical Application = contribution to neurorehabilitation
  • Research support = Bezzola et al = despite age, brain plasticity still occurs in elderly golf players (increased motor cortex activity after training)
  • Cognitive Reserve = Schnieder et al = more time brain injury patients were in education = greater chance of disability free recovery
• Weakness of BP & FR

  • Negative Plasticity = phantom limb syndrome = painful unpleasent in area of lost limb = BP is not efficient & brain cannot effectively adapt