Brain Plasticity & Functional Recovery - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Brain Plasticity & Functional Recovery

2. A Demonstration of Brain PlasicityWatch the clip on Maguire’s study as a reminder of what you learned in the preparation task The starter questions will require you to recall details of this study

3. Starter QuestionsAnswer in pairs on MWBsWhat does the term plasticity refer to?When do most changes in the brain take place?What does the term synaptic pruning refer to?Who were Maguire’s participants and why did she use this particular group?Which part of the brain is associated with spatial and navigational skillsWhat was the main finding in Maguire’s study?Which part of the brain tends to be bigger in those who can speak more than one language?What did Kuhn find happened to participants who played video games for 30 minutes a day over a two-month period?In what three ways can a brain adapt as a result of illness or trauma?

4. Starter Questions: AnswersWhat does the term plasticity refer to?When do most changes in the brain take place?What does the term synaptic pruning refer to?Who were Maguire’s participants and why did she use this particular group?Which part of the brain is associated with spatial and navigational skillsWhat was the main finding in Maguire’s study?Which part of the brain tends to be bigger in those who can speak more than one language?What did Kuhn find happened to participants who played video games for 30 minutes a day over a two-month period?In what three ways can a brain adapt as a result of illness or trauma?The way the brain has the ability to change and adapt as a result of experience or traumaDuring the first 2-3 years of lifeConnections that we don’t use are deleted and connections that we use a lot are strengthenedLondon black cab drivers. Because they have to learn a lot of information (‘The knowledge’)The posterior hippocampus There was a positive correlation between how great the volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampus was and how long they had been in the jobParietal cortex A significant increase in grey matter in various regions of the brain Axonal sproutingronal pathways Reformation of blood vessels Recruitment of homologous (similar) areasRemember that plasticity is not the same as functional recovery. Functional recovery is included in plasticity, but plasticity can refer to changes that occur through normal learning processes, e.g. learning to ride a bike or how to play an instrument

5. What is axonal sprouting?More information on brain plasticityIf this becomes damaged or severedNew nerve endings may sprout from the axon which then connect with other neurons

6. What does ‘recruitment of homologous areas’ mean?More information on brain plasticityWhat does the term ‘homologous mean?The same, or similarTherefore, recruitment of homologous areas, means that other similar parts of the brain in the other hemisphere take over the functions of the part that was damagedSo, for example, if Broca’s area became damaged, a similar area of the brain in the right hemisphere may take over speech production

7. Answer the following question individually without notesJosie is twelve. Last year she was involved in a serious road accident and suffered head injuries that caused problems with speech and understanding language. Now, a year later, Josie has recovered most of her language abilities.Using your knowledge of plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma, explain Josie’s recovery. (4 marks)Now swap with the person sitting next to you and use the guidance on the next slide to award a mark to their answerExam Practice

8. Remember, that in an application question, you should outline the relevant concepts first and then apply directly to the scenarioSuggested answer:Plasticity refers to the brains ability to change and adapt throughout the lifespan as a result of experience or trauma (1 mark). One of the ways it may do this is through the recruitment of homologous areas of the brain to take over the functions of the part that has been damaged (1 mark).It is likely that Josie has damaged the part of the brain that contains Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area in the left hemisphere as she is having trouble with speech production and language comprehension (1 mark). It may be that her recovery is caused by homologous (similar) parts of the brain in the right hemisphere taking over these functions (1 mark) Exam Practice: Mark Scheme

9. You have 5 minutes to read the evaluation of research into plasticity in the information pack. You will be asked to apply what you have read in the next exerciseEvaluation of Research in Plasticity & Functional RecoveryScenario 1Scenario 2Scenario 3There is no right answer to this one!Now, without notes or pack, in pairs, work through the three scenarios, answering the questions at the end of each one

10. Jack and Jill’s mother has recently had a stroke. Initially she was unable to talk at all, but she has begun to recover some of her speech, although she still cannot make proper sentences and her vocabulary is very limited.  Jack is very encouraged by the progress that his mother is making and does not want her to have any therapeutic intervention.  Jill disagrees and wants their mother to start speech therapy as soon as possible.Using your knowledge of brain plasticity and functional recovery, explain to Jack and Jill which one of them is likely to have the better strategy and whyEvaluation of Research in Plasticity & Functional Recovery: Scenario 1

11. Mary believes that brain plasticity is a great thing because it enables us to grow and develop throughout our lifespan and our learning contributes to the positive development of our brains and makes us better peopleIs Mary right, or is there another side to the story?  Advise Mary of the possible negative consequences of brain plasticityEvaluation of Research in Plasticity & Functional Recovery: Scenario 2Watch the clip showing the case of a woman who is experiencing phantom limb syndrome

12. Kitty, Bob, Mark and Alice have all experienced brain damage as a result of a car crash. Kitty is a 20-year-old woman who works in a supermarket.  Mark is a 55-year-old man who is a doctor at the local hospital.  Alice is a 60-year-old professor at the local university and Bob is a 25-year-old hairdresserUsing what you know about factors that affect functional recovery after trauma, put Kitty, Bob, Mark and Alice in order of who you think will recover the fastest and say whyEvaluation of Research in Plasticity & Functional Recovery: Scenario 3