Brain plasticity in experimental and clinical practice a.y. 2020/21

Programma

Brain plasticity is the fundamental property of the human brain to adapt to environmental or internal changes. This adaptation is possible thanks to structural and functional modifications occurring in the developing and adult human central nervous system. Brain plasticity contributes to learning processes and to functional recover following neurological diseases. 
This course will introduce concepts and mechanisms of brain plasticity, features related to individual variability and methods used to induce and shape brain reorganization. The recent scientific research faces the challenge to understand the precise nature of brain plasticity during lifespan and to use this knowledge to implement new therapeutic approaches. These aspects will be matter of discussion during the course. 

Svolgimento

Bibliografia

• Hummel, F. C., & Cohen, L. G. (2005). Drivers of brain plasticity. Current Opinion in Neurology, 18(6), 667–674. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.wco.0000189876.37475.42
• May, A. (2011). Experience-dependent structural plasticity in the adult human brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(10), 475–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2011.08.002

Additional materials will be provided during the course.

Esame

The evaluation will be based on an oral exam.
Credits: 2

Giulia Camilla Mattavelli

Ricercatrice Senior in Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica