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Brain Workouts

What Helps Cognitive Fitness?

By Jane P. Sheldon, Susana M. Peciña

Brain Workouts


 

Abstract

This directed case study follows two college roommates, Darrell and Anthony, who have just returned to school after winter vacation. They share that their ageing fathers are concerned about their declining faculties and are amused by their fathers' efforts to reverse the process.  Darrell's dad plays "brain games" on the computer while Anthony's father believes running will slow his memory decline. Intrigued, the roommates search through their biopsychology class notes to find out whether their fathers are correct. They review the topics of synaptic formation and plasticity, including axonal and dendritic development, and chemical factors in the brain that promote the survival and growth of neurons or stop the genetically programmed death of neurons. Based on research findings, students reading this case will decide whether Darrell and Anthony's fathers are correct in their assertions. The case is appropriate for a wide variety of courses including introductory anatomy or physiology, or for upper-division biopsychology, biology, or neuroscience courses.

   

Date Posted

12/10/2016

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand the concepts of brain plasticity, neurogenesis, and apoptosis.
  • Understand the neuronal structures and actions involved in synaptic formation and maintenance.
  • Explain what neurotrophins are and how they affect neurons.
  • Explore two ideas concerning what is helpful for brain functioning and memory.
  • Critically assess evidence and decide how well the two different ideas are supported.

Keywords

neuroscience; brain plasticity; dendritic branching; synaptogenesis; neurons; apoptosis; axonal branching; synaptic plasticity; neurotrophins; synaptic formation; neurogenesis; biopsychology

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Neuroscience
Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

 

 

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