LO4

Question 1

What does Neuroplasticity refer to?

Answer 1

Adaptive capacity of NS
Changing of structure, function, organization of neurons in response to new experiences
Strengthening/weakening of neural connections due to incoming stimuli

Question 2

What is its role?

Answer 2

Growth and development of NS
Basis of learning/memory
Adaptation
Recovery from injury

Question 3

•Describe your concept of experience-dependent plasticity.

Answer 3

Leads to STRENGTHENING neural connections; learning/memory, leads to persistent changes, needs repeated performance/stimulus, implications of rehab.

Question 4

Describe your concept of habituation

Answer 4

Leads to WEAKENING neural connections and less synaptic connections; non-associative learning, helps brain focus, useful to help treat someone to desensitize to something.

Question 5

Describe your concept of recovery after injury

Answer 5

Dependent on which part of neuron; axon or cell body. Leads to reorganization of neurons; remapping of brain, creating new connections, engage alternative pathways

Question 6

What are the principles in experience-dependant neuroplasticity?

Answer 6

1. Use it or lose it
2. Use it and improve it
3. Specificity
4. Repetition Matters
5. Intensity Matters
6. Time Matters
7. Salience matters
8. Age Matters
9. Transference
10. Interference

Can be applied to rehab including language, swallowing and motor speech disorders.

Question 7

Link the principles to aphasia, swallowing and neuroplasticity

Answer 7

Aphasia: Constraining all responses to verbal
Targets ED principles

Swallowing + NeuroP: Peripheral stimulation
Cortical stimulation
Behavioral use of body part to enhance cortical representation
Combination of behavioral and non-techniques