This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe plasticity. Are compensatory changes in the elderly an example of plasticity? Does research ... (Read 76 times)

AEWBW

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 579
Describe plasticity. Are compensatory changes in the elderly an example of plasticity? Does research using neural stem cells support the idea of plasticity?
 
  ANSWER:

Question 2

What is the default network of the brain and how is it related to poorer performance of cognitive tasks in older adults?
 
  ANSWER:



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

wergv

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 365
Answer to Question 1

Plasticity in the brain refers to its ability to change in structure and function as a relation of the brain's interaction with the environment. Plasticity refers to brain change or flexibility over time. The fact that research documents that older adults can improve their memories by being trained to use certain strategies in certain circumstances speaks to the brain's ongoing plasticity. Evidence for plasticity is also seen when older adults use bilateral activation. While younger adults use more unilateral activation when working on specific tasks, older adults use more bilateral activation. It appears they are working harder and utilizing more brain structures to optimize their thinking and performance. Finally, it was believed that neurogenesis (the proliferation of neural cells) dwindled with the embryonic period. The finding that neural stem cells exist in adult brains and can generate new neurons throughout the life span speaks to the plasticity of the human brain.

Answer to Question 2

The default network of the brain refers to the areas of the brain that are most active when one is at rest and not engaged in any cognitive task. Older individuals have more problems than younger people suppressing this default network. For example, when a younger begins an engaging and challenging cognitive task, the default network is suppressed. Older adults show less suppression, resulting in poorer performance overall. Increased frontal activity in older adults may be one way they work around this lack of suppression.




AEWBW

  • Member
  • Posts: 579
Reply 2 on: Aug 23, 2018
Gracias!


mcarey591

  • Member
  • Posts: 365
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Wow, this really help

 

Did you know?

The eye muscles are the most active muscles in the whole body. The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job they have to do. They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be.

Did you know?

More than 4.4billion prescriptions were dispensed within the United States in 2016.

Did you know?

The cure for trichomoniasis is easy as long as the patient does not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. Just a single dose of medication is needed to rid the body of the disease. However, without proper precautions, an individual may contract the disease repeatedly. In fact, most people develop trichomoniasis again within three months of their last treatment.

Did you know?

Asthma occurs in one in 11 children and in one in 12 adults. African Americans and Latinos have a higher risk for developing asthma than other groups.

Did you know?

Though “Krazy Glue” or “Super Glue” has the ability to seal small wounds, it is not recommended for this purpose since it contains many substances that should not enter the body through the skin, and may be harmful.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library