Plasticity In The Adult Brain From Genes To Neurotherapy

In the past decade neuronal plasticity has become a major theme of modern neurobiology, from cellular and molecular mechanisms of synapse formation in worms and insects to behavioural recovery from strokes in elderly humans. For this reason the focus of interest in the present volume of Progress in Brain Research is on the topic of neuroplasticity in mature organisms, including humans. Contributions range from neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the adult primate brain, to neural mechanisms of learning and memory, and the influence of environmental factors and aging on the functional potential of the central nervous system. Several contributions focus on recent developments in neural regeneration and brain repair, providing challenging evidence that the use of stem cell neurotherapy may be beneficial to humans suffering from various neurological and psychiatric diseases. This volume integrates new information on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity and highlights challenging future questions in this exciting and topical area of neuroscience.

Two leading neuroscientists introduce the concepts of “cerebral plasticity” and the “regenerating brain,” describing what we know now about the processes through which the brain constantly reconstructs itself and the potential benefits this knowledge might have in addressing concerns for neurological, cognitive, and emotional health. The authors begin with a survey of the fundamental scientific developments that led to our current understanding of the regenerative mind, elucidating some of the breakthrough neurobiological studies that paved the way for our present understanding of the brain’s plasticity and regenerative capabilities. They then discuss the application of these findings to such issues as depression, dyslexia, schizophrenia, and cognitive therapy, incorporating the latest technologies in neuroimaging, optogenetics, and nanotechnology. Their work shows the brain is anything but a static organ, ceasing to grow as human beings become adults. Rather, the brain is dynamic, evolving organically in relation to physical, cultural, historical, and affective stimuli, a plasticity that provides great hope to survivors of trauma and degenerative disorders.

This book focuses on the exciting recent progress in restorative neurology and neuroscience. The book includes chapters on major neurodegenerative disorders of the brain and the visual system, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, spinal cord trauma, and multiple sclerosis. The primary goal of the book is to give an overview of new developments in translational research and in potential therapeutic strategies, including stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, pharmacotherapy, neuroprostheses and deep brain stimulation. * Provides the reader with a unique overview over all aspects of new advances in the therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders * Covers all levels of biological organization including novel molecular and cellular targets, electrophysiological, anatomical and behavioural substrates of neurodegeneration and the application of whole brain in vivo imaging * Broad focus with contributions by the top scientists worldwide in the respective disciplines

In her new book Art and the Brain: Plasticity, Embodiment and the Unclosed Circle, Amy Ione offers a profound assessment of our ever-evolving view of the biological brain as it pertains to embodied human experience.

Brain plasticity is the focus of a growing body of research with significant implications for neurorehabilitation. This state-of-the-art volume explores ways in which brain-injured individuals may be helped not only to compensate for their loss of cognitive abilities, but also possibly to restore those abilities. Expert contributors examine the extent to which damaged cortical regions can actually recover and resume previous functions, as well as how intact regions are recruited to take on tasks once mediated by the damaged region. Evidence-based rehabilitation approaches are reviewed for a range of impairments and clinical populations, including both children and adults.

Vasopressin and oxytocin are the key hormones of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, and are well-known to be critically involved in antidiuresis, labor, and milk ejection. This book highlights the latest research on vasopressin and oxytocin, covering multiple biological aspects. The capacity of both hormones to regulate various aspects of social behaviours including pair-bonding, aggression, maternal love, and sexual behaviour, is a main focus, as are their interactions with a variety of other neuromodulators and transmitters. Moreover, the book illustrates the recent development of vasopressin and oxytocin agonists/antagonists as potential drugs to treat not only disturbances of body fluid homeostasis, but also mental disorders, including social phobia, autism, anxiety, and depression. The promising combination of basic and clinical research, comprising physiology, neuroendocrinology, behavioral biology, pharmacology, imaging and molecular genetics makes this book an essential addition to both experts and scientists new to the field alike. Comprehensive review of OXT and AVP physiology and behaviour Each chapter covers a novel aspect of OXT and AVP research and is written by a leading expert Review articles are ideal for experts and newcomers to the field alike Discusses fascinating behavioural effects of oxytocin and vasopressin Summarizes the recent explosion of neuropeptide research, physiology and behaviour, is in one location

The brain is plastic and it can change its function to adapt to changing demands of various kinds. The brain can also re-organize and change its function to better utilize its resources when parts of the brain have been damaged through injuries and diseases. This means that the brain is not “hard wired but can be reprogrammed when needed. This book describes different aspects of how the plasticity can become activated and how it can benefit the individual person. This book provides in-depth coverage of many important aspects of neural plasticity and how it applies to trauma, including strokes and disorders of the central nervous system that affect memory and cognition. The book also discusses how neural plasticity is involved in aphasia, pain and tinnitus. The roles of neural plasticity in motor rehabilitation and in adaptation to prostheses such as cochlear and cochlear nucleus implants are also topics of the book. * Provides in-depth coverage of many important aspects of neural plasticity and how it applies to trauma, including strokes and disorders of the central nervous system that affect memory and cognition * Discusses how neural plasticity is involved in aphasia, pain and tinnitus * Explains the roles of neural plasticity in motor rehabilitation and prosthesis such as cochlear and cochlear nucleus implants