Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain

Plasticity

The brain adapts in both its function and structure as a result of a change in the environment. These changes could be due to damage, or to meet the cognitive demands of learning new skills

What are the 4 reasons for plasticity?

• Learning new skills

• A result of developmental changes

• Response to direct trauma to area of the brain

• Response to indirect effects of damage such as brain swelling or bleeding (from stroke)

Functional recovery

Refers to the brain’s ability to regain lost functions

*Focuses on regaining the original function

Functional reorganisation

The process by which the brain reallocates functions to different, undamaged areas

*Focuses on shifting functions to new areas to compensate for damage

Neuronal cell death

The process by which neurones (nerve cells) die, either as part of a normal biological process or due to injury, disease etc

Synaptic pruning

The process by which the brain eliminates extra or weak synaptic connections between neurones (to improve the brains efficiency)

Axonal sprouting

Existing neurones growing new axons to connect adjacent neurones

Neural regeneration

The growth of new neuronal cells

Denervation supersensitivity

To compensate for the loss of axons in a pathway the remaining axons become more sensitive (more likely to fire). This can result in side effects such as pain

What 3 factors affect functional recovery?

1) Age

2) Gender

3) Rehabilitative therapy

How does age affect functional recovery?

Younger individuals have the best ability to recover due to greater neuroplasticity - younger brains are more adaptable.

How does gender affect functional recovery? (WOMEN)

Some research suggests that females have better outcomes in certain brain injuries and neurological conditions, possibly due to hormonal differences such as higher levels of oestrogen, which might offer protective effects on the brain

How does rehabilitative therapy affect functional recovery?

Intensive, target rehabilitation helps stimulate neuroplasticity through repetitive goal-directed tasks

Eg physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation.

How does gender affect functional recovery? (MEN)

Males may have different types of brain injury recovery profiles, and studies suggest they experience worse outcomes in conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Neuroplasticity

The brains ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections - it allows the brain to adapt to changes, recover from injury, and learn new skills

Constraint induced therapy

Stopping patients from using coping strategies (like body language for communication or using undamaged limbs for tasks) makes them improve via functional reorganisation

***ADD RESEARCH EVALUATIONS

Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain - Evaluation

Research on brain plasticity and functional recovery has practical benefits. It has been useful in rehabilitative therapy, helping people return to their lives and productive work, ultimately benefiting the wider society.

Research on individuals recovering lost function can help psychologists understand more about the functions of regions of the brain that were initially damaged

Mathias (2015): Metaanalysis demonstrated IQ and educational background are positively correlated with better outcomes after traumatic brain injury, suggesting some individuals have a greater cognitive reserve, helping in recovery