neuroplasticity Flashcards
(42 cards)
synaptic plasticity
the biological process by which specific pattern of synaptic activity result in changes in the synaptic strength and is thought to contribute to learning and memory
what can contribute to the expression of synaptic plasticity?
both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic mechanisms
- presynaptic: with more neurotransmitters
- postsynaptic with more receptors
what happens to the brain when things are learned
the brain does not have to activate as much because it will become more specific and the neuro synapses will be stronger
what is long term potentiation (LTP)
- is the long term increase in synaptic strength
- the dendritic heads are larger which create more synaptic stability
what is BDNF
- brain derived neurotrophic factor
- increase in GF leads to an increase in neurogenesis
- aerobic exercise helps to increase BDHF because O2 helps deliver BDNF
Hebbian Plasticity
- increases in synaptic strength between neurons that fire together
- neurons that wire together fire together
- synaptogenesis
neural networks
is the idea that there are different inputs (triggers) that can all lead to the same output. This is why we should provide many different experiences to our patients to accomplish the same goal
experience dependent plasticity
with repetition of a specific stimulus, the pairing of pre and post synaptic firing, synthesis and activation of proteins which alter the excitability of the neuron
- this can either inhibit or promote the growth of new synapses especially at the dendritic spine
when can changes at the neuronal level start to happen in experience-dependent plasticity
day 4
when could changes at the cortes level start to happen in experience dependent plasticity
day 8-10
experience expectant learning period
during the sensitive period
experience expectant learning lifespan
early in life
experience expectant learning language
development of primary language
is experiment expectant learning general or specific
- general
- well are all exposed to visual stimuli, thus the brain expects it and is highly responsive to it
experience dependent learning lifespan
over the lifespan in response to the environment
experience dependent learning period
no optimal period. You are never too young or old to learn
experience dependent learning language
2nd language (dependent on exposure to the language)
is experience dependent learning general or specific
- specific to the individual and their experiences
what are the 10 principles of neuroplasticity
1) use it or lose it
2) use it or improve it
3) specificity
4) Repetition
5) Intensity
6) Age
7) Salience
8) Time
9) Transference
10) Interference
use it or lose it
failure to “drive” specific brain functions leads to functional degradation.
ex: using a prolonged feeding tube you will lose the natural circuitry for swallowing
Use it or improve it
- Forced use (constraint induced) : increases cortical activation of the remaining cerebral cortex
parameters for forced use
- therapy 5 hrs a day + wear mit 90% of waking hours for 10-15 days
- effective 3-21 month post injury (do not do in the acute setting)
specificity
- the more specific we are at learning motor skills the better we get at the skill
- association with dendritic growth
- motor skill acquisition is shown to change in activation patterns in the motor cortex
- if already learned nothing will change in the cortex
how much repetition is needed
- 300 to 1000 a day
- needs to be relevant, rewarding and geared to individuals need
