5A Neuroplasticity
True or False: Adaptive plasticity only occurs during infancy.
False
True or False: A stroke is an example of a traumatic brain injury.
False
True or False: Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures.
True
True or False: Repeated concussions may contribute to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
True
What is synaptic pruning?
The elimination of unnecessary or underused synapses to improve efficiency in the brain.
What is the difference between a traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury?
What neurotransmitter is reduced in Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
A degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head injuries and concussions.
Name the two processes involved in adaptive plasticity.
Sprouting and rerouting.
Give one example of how an acquired brain injury may affect psychological functioning.
Examples include memory loss, personality changes, anxiety, depression, or impulsivity.
What is machine learning?
A form of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to classify information and predict outcomes.
Name one group of people at higher risk of developing CTE.
Athletes involved in contact sports such as boxing or AFL players.
How does physical activity help maintain brain functioning?
It increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus.
Why can damage to the occipital lobe affect vision?
Because the occipital lobe is responsible for processing visual information
What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised machine learning?
Give one cognitive or behavioural symptom associated with CTE.
Examples include memory loss, aggression, impulsivity, mood swings, or impaired thinking.
Explain the difference between developmental plasticity and adaptive plasticity.
Explain why two people with the same type of brain injury may recover differently.
Brain injuries vary in severity, location, symptoms, and duration, so recovery and impacts differ between individuals.
Explain one way contemporary research on the gut-brain axis has improved understanding of neurological disorders.
Research suggests that gut microbiota may influence disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, helping researchers develop new treatments and earlier detection methods.
Why is contemporary research important in understanding CTE?
Because CTE is still being studied, contemporary research helps improve diagnosis, understanding of causes, prevention strategies, and treatment options.