Psychology Chapter 10: Brain Damage and Neuroplasticity

After CNS damage, the strengthening of existing neural connections can occur due to the reduction of inhibitory signals, allowing those connections to become more influential.

Neural growth cannot fully explain long-term reorganization because it struggles to account for changes beyond a 2 mm range on the cortical surface.

Cognitive reserve primarily facilitates compensatory changes in brain function, aiding recovery by enabling the brain to find alternative strategies and neural pathways.

Xu and colleagues (1999) found that apoptosis inhibitor protein effectively diminishes ischemic damage during neurotransplantation.

Constraint-Induced Therapy aims to promote competition among neurons for synaptic sites and neurotrophins, encouraging the use of the affected limb after a stroke.

Enriched environments reduce symptoms and enhance recovery in neurological disorders by providing increased sensory, cognitive, and motor stimulation.

Removing the stump doesn't work because the cortical area that previously managed the amputated limb remains active, causing the persistent sensation of the phantom limb.

IPrimary role mitigates neural damage through the creation of newborn neurons, as well as trophic support.

Physical exercise lessens symptom severity and enhances recovery from CNS damage by promoting neuroplasticity, increasing blood flow, and releasing neurotrophic factors.

Implanting Schwann cells aims to encourage regeneration and provide guidance for axon growth, supporting the repair of damaged neural pathways.