Neuropsychology

• Cognitive neuroscience


  The study of how cognitive processes connect with brain activity and structure
• Cognitive neuroscience


  How the structure and function of the brain relate to behaviour and cognition
• Localisation of function


  • Cognitive neuroscientists will often attempt to match abilities of the brain (eg semantic memory) to particular locations within the brain
• Changes in brain structure


  Can appear to change how the brain works (function), and then changing that persons behaviour and way of experiencing the world (cognition)
• Abnormal brains


  • Phineas Gage: Due to a metal bar through the frontal lobe of the brain Phineas developed an aggressive personality
  • Clive wearing: Due to damage from a brain infection Clive only has a seven second memory
  • Tan: Brain damage in the temporal lobe caused an inability to produce language, Tan could only say Tan
• CT scan


  Scanner emits a series of X-rays to produce highly detailed black and white cross-sectional (tomographic) images of the structure of the brain
• CT scan


  • High level of detail allows researchers to identify common and abnormal brain structures
  • Cheaper than PET and fMRI scanners
  • Use of a large number of X-rays results in danger from radiation, and while the images are detailed they do not show brain activity
• PET scan


  A ring of sensors detect gamma rays produced by a radioactive tracer injected into the patient's body to produce a 3D model. Areas of the brain that are more active (requiring blood) can be identified
• PET scan


  • Can be used for research on the active brain, especially studies that attempt to identify the location of brain functions
  • While the level of radioactivity is low, there is still a danger, so the number of scans that can be done is limited
• fMRI scan


  Use large magnets to measure the difference between oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood. As the brain's activity uses oxygenated blood this flow can be measured showing areas of high and low activity
• fMRI scan


  • Shows areas of the brain as they function, but without the dangers of radiation caused by PET scanners
  • Activity displayed is delayed slightly from when it happens (poor temporal resolution) so hard to measure fast processes
• Neurological damage


  The destruction of neurones in the brain, this can result in the loss of the functions those neurones were responsible for
• Stroke


  A blood vessel bursts in the brain, or a clot blocks the brain's blood supply
• Brain Lesions


  Areas of damaged tissue that form from trauma or disease
• Motor abilities


  • The motor cortex is the area of the brain for movement, damage to this area will cause paralysis of the body, as the brain is contralateral the paralysis will be on the opposite side from the brain damage
• Behaviour


  • Damage to areas that regulate behaviour such as decision making in the frontal lobe and emotion such as areas of the limbic system like the amygdala could cause behavioural changes
  • Phines Gage is an example