Neuroplasticity

Question 1

Molecular level neuroplasticity

Answer 1

upregulation of proteins

gene expression

Question 2

Single neuron level

Answer 2

synaptic plasticity

Question 3

Network level

Answer 3

cortical maps

Question 4

Systems level

Answer 4

within and across systems of CNS

Question 5

Principles of Training

Answer 5

many reps
progressive level of challenge
allow for success most of time/some failure
motivation/reward/meaningful goals

Question 6

Other considerations for learning

Answer 6

sleep - consolidation of memories
rest periods - incorporation of memories
limit interference

Question 7

Synaptic plasticity - increase in motor cortex; when?

Answer 7

dendritic branching, spine density
perforated synapses
synapses with multiple synaptic boutons

after environmental enrichment or learning of specific motor tasks

Question 8

Synaptic plasticity mechanisms

Answer 8

synaptic activity (2nd messenger systems) –> enzyme activation –> gene expression –> protein synthesis –> cell changes

Question 9

Synaptic plasticity - cell changes

Answer 9

dendritic branching
synaptogenesis
collateral growh
neurotransmitter
receptor

Question 10

Synaptic plasticity - ST changes

Answer 10

min to hrs
upregulation of NTs/receptors
protein synthesis increases

Question 11

Synaptic plasticity - LT changes/potentiation

Answer 11

days or longer
collateral growth
spine and synapse formation

potentiation - less input needed to generate same output = learning

Question 12

Timeline with Skill Training

Answer 12

7 days - synapse
10 days - maps
within minutes - protein synthesis

Question 13

Endurance Training

Answer 13

angiogenesis in M1
reduce motor thresholds in SC
NO change in motor map

Question 14

Lesion

Answer 14

recovery of function –> minimizing impairment
OR
compensation –> adaptation to impairment

Question 15

Phase of Recovery: Rescue and Salvage

Answer 15

few hours - tPA, neuroprotection
neural shock
penumbra

Question 16

Phase of Recovery: Repair and Recovery

Answer 16

days to weeks to months
behavioral and pharmalogical
max adaptive plasticity

Question 17

Vicariation of Function (adaptive plasticity): distribution of motor cortex changes

Answer 17

changes in motor maps
competitive process
use dependent plasticity

Question 18

Vicariation of Function (adaptive plasticity): growth of novel circuits

Answer 18

new pathways formed

circuitry of brain changes

Question 19

Secondary cell death

Answer 19

excitotoxicity
formation of O2 free radicals
2ndary ischemic damage

Question 20

Diaschisis

Answer 20

inhibition of neurons related to damaged area (due to neural shock, edema, loss of blood flow, partial denervation)
more likely to happen with sudden insult
reversible

Question 21

Wallerian Degeneration

Answer 21

primary damage

Question 22

Transneuronal Changes

Answer 22

increased synaptic efficiency of remaining synapses
denervation supersensitivity - receptor upregulation
unmasking of silent synapses
collateral sprouting from adjacent neurons

Question 23

TMS

Answer 23

transcranial magnetic stimulation
used in humans to measure changes in cortical motor maps
induce ion flow across membranes of cortical neuron (ion exchange causes APs to generate)

Question 24

Aging Machinery

Answer 24

decline in function seen with aging is inevitable and irreversible

Question 25

Negative Plasticity

Answer 25

some effects of aging acquired and reversible (plasticity is 2 way street)

Question 26

Negative Plasticity Changes

Answer 26

disuse - dependence on already mastered skills degraded inputs from periphery - changes in ability to integrate stimuli negative learning - loss of ability to change to environment/new situations; maladaptive compensating behaviors

Question 27

Reverse negative plastic changes

Answer 27

``` intense training many trials motivation and reward success more of time demanding, novel tasks human trials = improvement with speech and memory ```

Question 28

LBP and Neuroplasticity

Answer 28

skilled exercise (arm movements) enhance anticipatory TA activation and changes in motor map

Question 29

Aerobic Exercise and Neuroplasticity

Answer 29

elevated levels of BDNF | improved cognitive function in older adults, people post-stroke, women with mild cognitive impairment

Question 30

Aerobic Exercise and Neuroplasticity: increased

Answer 30

brain volume in older adults recovery post-stroke efficiency of dopamine utilization in PD