Homework #6: The Power of the Mind and Persons Health
OR read this short article by MedicineNet.com called “Definition of Neuroplasticity” http://www(dot)medicinenet(dot)com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40362 (either one is sufficient) as an introduction to the concept.
First, let’s start with a question based on your opinion:
1. How much, and in what way, do you think the power of the mind can influence a person’s health?
Now applying what you have learned from the readings and videos, let’s go through the rest of the, one question at a time.
2. Based on what we have learned about how the brain works and reading the Hartley article choose a specific disease or condition to discuss that you think may or may not be affected by using rewiring techniques. Are there some conditions you feel are more adaptable or is the application unlimited?
3. Based on your research, do you think there is scientific evidence to support valid use of neuroplasticity in treatment or prevention of illness?
NOW Read the following questions and briefly describe your thoughts on the answer and how you come to that answer. This activity is intended to allow you to think about what you have learned and how you can apply it to problems or situations in the real world.
4. What would happen to the nervous system functions if all neurons were myelinated?
5. How would the nervous system be different if there were no synapses?
6. How would you explain the impact on the cerebellum if it did not receive feedback from the skeletal muscles?
7. Why do you think a large part of the primary somatic sensory area of the cerebral cortex is devoted to the face and hands?
DON’T FORGET Reference or mention specifically how your ideas are supported by the text and articles.
HOMEWORK #6
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1] How much, and in what way, do you think the power of the mind can influence a person’s health?
The power of the mind depends on the extent to which people use the organ, their age and their health condition. People have the power to direct thoughts, and when the ability of the brain to repair the damaged areas highlights the power of the brain. Depending on the level of stimuli, it is possible to influence a person’s health, since building brain power is associated with positive thoughts that result in one engaging in healthy lifestyles.
2] Based on what we have learned about how the brain works and reading the Hartley article choose a specific disease or condition to discuss that you think may or may not be affected by using rewiring techniques. Are there some conditions you feel are more adaptable or is the application unlimited?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one condition that can be affected by the rewiring techniques, and the case for this is that the brain is a dynamic brain that has adaptive ability. There is nerve damage for MS sufferers, and the ability to overcome some of the nerve damage. The concept of neuroplasticity has implications for MS since it is likely that sufferers can function better with improved physical and brain functiong. Other conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia where there is a need to improve cognition and motor coordination, but rewiring techniques have different impact on health outcomes.
3] Based on your research, do you think there is scientific evidence to support valid use of neuroplasticity in treatment or prevention of illness?
There is evidence of neuroplasticity being used as a modifying treatment to manage conditions when there is a need of motor rehabilitation and functional recovery. Neuroplasticity is particularly useful as a therapeutic strategy to improve adaptation when there is functional impairment (Medicinenet.com, n.d.). My perception is that plasticity does affect the ability to adapt and repair the nerves, but there are also cases of maladaptive reorganization that affect health outcomes negatively.
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