PSYC33H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Handedness, Cognitive Reserve, Hebbian Theory
Document Summary
Neuroplasticity: neuroplasticity can be broadly defined as the ability of the nervous system to respond to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function, and connections. It can be described at many levels, from molecular to cellular to systems to behaviour. The capacity of the brain to change in various ways to compensate for loss of function due to damage. Predictors of recovery: age (17-20 > 21-25 > 26+, sex (f > m) Intelligence (reserve: handedness (l > r, optimism! Neuroplasticity & spontaneous recovery: three main mechanisms are important for spontaneous recovery, the resolution of diaschisis, functional network recovery, behaviourally oriented compensatory adjustments. Resolution of diaschisis: diaschisis any remote alteration in brain functioning directly caused by a lesion, inducing abnormal behaviour and resolving over time. Diaschisis: damage in one part can impair functioning in other parts because the brain is interconnected other areas are affected np can make new connections fix disconnections.
