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79 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is trepanation, when was it first practiced, and name an example of an advocate.
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Trepanation marks the first practice of brain surgery 100s of years ago. It is dome by drilling holes in the skull allowing evil spirits to escape and thus curing mental illness.
advocate? Peter Halvorson |
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What attitude did the ancient Egyptians have towards the brain?
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The ancient egyptians did not believe that the brain was necessary in the after life and therefore removed it through the nose of the death before mummification
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What is the brain, physiologically speaking?
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Physiologically speaking, the brain is a collage of chemicals and the way they behave determines how the brain functions.
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What are the spiritual beliefs regarding the brain?
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Purely philosophically speaking, the brain has an invisible entity called the mind which is not the same as the brain and can not be explained my modern science
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Who was Franz Joseph Gall, what century did he live in, and what diagnnostic theory did he pioneer?
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Franz Joseph Gall was a man in the 16th=17th century who pioneered phrenology, the study of the shape of the skull to determine character traits
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What is phrenology?
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The study of the shape of the skull to decude information about a person's personality and potential based on the idea that different areas of the skull corresponded to different traits ie) large forehead = intelligence
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When did Johann Gaspar Spurzheim live, and what idea did he popularize and how ?
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Johann Spurzheim popularized phrenology through a series of popular lectures on the "science" of phrenology in the 18th-19th century
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Name two intelligent and famous male scientists who both believed in phrenology?
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Thomas Edison and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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What is a psycograph and in what popular venue were they available?
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Automated method by which bumps on the head could be measures and mapped out an individual's head. Presented as a score care which explained measurements and quantified various characteristics that the given individual was thought to have had.
They were exhibited at movie theaters. |
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What practical concept to neuro medicine did phrenologists contribute?
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Phrenologists contributed the idea that the brain's different parts had different purposes and performed different processes.
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Who was Phineas Gage, why his is story significant , and how is it relevant to science?
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Phineas Gage was a foreman working on the railroad in New Hamsphire in 1848. His job was to drill holes in rocks, put explosives inside of them, and explode the rocks to move them. On one occasion, the rod used to push the dynamite in cause a spark with the rock which caused an explosion that propelled the rod into his cheek, through one eye, and out the top of his skull
as described by his doctor John M Harlow, this was of great importance to the theory of multiple parts of brain function as he survived and was physically fine! The only change was that he went from being kind in demeanor to abusive and coarse |
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Who was Dr, Walter Freeman and what surgery did he initiate?
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Walter Freeman was one of the pioneers of brain science. through his experiments he discovered that mental health could be improved via brain surgery, and therefore used a hammer and chisel to operate on people.
Guiding belief: was that blocking out certain parts of the brain would have a therapeutic effect. |
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Dr Harvery kept and examined Einstein's brain. Who did he give a piece to, what did he/she find, and was this significant?
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He gave a piece to Dr Sandra Witleson who found that Einstein had a thicker later sulcus than others.
...not really significant. |
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The brain is essentially a pool/collage of what?
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neurones
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Axons carry signals from a particular neurone whereas dendrites carry signals from?
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... signals from other neurons
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What are neurotransmitters?
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Neurotransmitters are the neuronal signals which are chemically transmitted.
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From where are neurotransmitters derived and where are they stored?
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Neurotransmitters are synthesized from food and stored in vesicles within the pre-synaptic cell where they are release from the synaptic cleft once the electrical message reaches the end of the axon.
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What are neurotransmitters?
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Neurotransmitters are the neuronal signals which are chemically transmitted.
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From where are neurotransmitters derived and where are they stored?
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Neurotransmitters are synthesized from food and stored in vesicles within the pre-synaptic cell where they are release from the synaptic cleft once the electrical message reaches the end of the axon.
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How are neuronal signals transmitted within the body?
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-nerve cell "fires" a chemical message in the form of a neurotransmitter'
- the neurotransmitter travels down the axon -when it reaches the end, it is released into the syaptic cleft - the chemical signal travels to the chemical receptor sites of the dendrites neighboring neurones and transmits the message |
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What is Alzheimer's disease?
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Alzheimer's can be defined as the gradual loss of the abilities to reason, remember, imagine, and learn
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What physical abnormalities cause Alzheimer's?
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senile plaques ( abnormal clumps) or neuro fiber tangles of brain cells within the brain
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What three symptoms often accompany Alzheimer's?
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Paranoia, anxiety, and depression
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How many North Americans are affected by Alzheimer's each year?
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5 million
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How many people over 65 are affected with Alzheimer's and how many people over 85 are?
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65: 1/10
85: 1/2 |
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What is the lifetime cost per patient?
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200,000
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By what year is the number of patients expected to double?
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2025
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What is dementia?
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The loss of mind, thinking, reasoning and remembering abilities
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What conditions other than Alzheimer's can lead to dementia?
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Vitamin b12 deficiency
impaired circulation ( brain deprived of nutrients) Hypothyroidism Tumors in the brain |
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Who was the scientist to first discover Alzheimer's and how?
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Alois Alzheimer discovered it when he had a 51 yr old patient who complained about tastes, other things and memory loss.
He examined her brain post death and found neuro fiber tangles in and around nerve cells |
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What are the neuro fiber tangles found in Alzheimer's made of?
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Dead protein deposits inside of cells
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Where do amyloid plaques develop in patients with Alzheimer's?
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In btw cells in the synapses
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What do neuro fiber tangles and amyloid plaques interfere with in the brain to cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's?
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Neuro fibers and amyloid plaques interfere with the tasks of neurotransmitters, and the the chemical signals are not consistently or affectively communicated.
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Is the dementia associated with Alzheimer's always experienced by individuals who possess neuro fiber tangles and deposits?
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Yes. there are many people who possess these tangles and deposits but do not develop dementia
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What does PET stand for and how do PET scans identify patients with Alzheimer's?
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PET = Positron Emission Tomography
Radio active materials are given to the patient to see where metabolic activity is taking place and concentrated inside the body |
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What three tests ( two official and one at home) can be used to test for Alzheimer's?
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PET scan, MRI, Alzheimer kit which contains scratch and sniff stickers as the lack of ability to distinguish btw scents is often one of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's
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Why is it only possible to diagnose Alzheimer's post mortum, or during an autopsy?
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Because it is impossible to see the tangles when a patient is alive.
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As tangles can not be viewed, how are doctors able to diagnose Alzheimer's?
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They have seen so many cases that they have a cohesive set of signals and symptoms which are very reliable and allow them to make fairly accurate hypotheses.
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What are four possible ( but unproven) theories on the cause of Alzheimer's?
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-genetic link
-aluminum -personality ie religious orders -mini stroke association ie prevent them, prevent Alzheimer's |
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Why is vitamin B thought to reduce the risk of dementia?
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- B vitamins break down homocysteine which is builds up in the body by Methionine metabolism. If homocysteine is not broken down it can become toxic to nerve cells
- a lack vitamin B, or folic acid, can also cause circulation problems and malnutrition |
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What class of molecules found in many fruits and veggies can reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's?
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Flavone
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What is the active flavone in blueberries and how was its effectiveness in promoting brain function and neurotransmission tested?
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Anthocyanins are the specific flavone found in blueberry
Tested on rats who walked tight ropes. Increased balanced and therefore rates of neurotransmission with large large doses of blueberries. |
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Why have Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS been linked to a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's?
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As the deposists of dead protein within the brain which occur during Alzheimer's can be viewed by the body as an intruder, they are sometimes surrounded by inflammation or inflammation of the brain
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What is a theory behind why India has low incidences of Alzheimer's?
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turmeric, the spice used to colour curry which is ingested daily in India contains an active ingredient called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties .
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Are omega fats helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer's? What are some examples of omega fats?
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Omega 3 fats are a polysaturated fat which have a definite anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore be beneficial in Alzheimer's prevention. They are found in fish.
Omega 6 fats are pro-inflammatory as they trigger the production of prostaglandins and therefore not helpful. they are found in oils such as corn |
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What supplement of which hormone is thought to predispose women not also taking testosterone to heart disease?
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Premarin(prempo), an estrogen taken my menopausal women to help them cope with the symptoms of menopause.
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Why are obese women more likely to develop Alzheimer's?
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Possibly because they store and metabolize the excess fat in their bottom not belly.
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What do cholinesterase inhibitors do?
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The interfere with the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in short supply in Alzheimer's patients
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how do cholinesterase inhibitors slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms?
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By interfering with the enzymes that degrade neurotransmitters, c inhibitors achieve a higher frequency of information transmission
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What are two examples of cholinesterase inhibitors?
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Cognex and Donepezil
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Do cholinesterase inhibitors cure Alzheimer's?
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No, they calm patients, buy time and slow the progression but can not reverse it.
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What is galantamine, what is it now called, and how is it procured ?
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Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor.
It is procured through an elaborate extraction process from a flower |
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What two commerical meds treat depression common in early stages of Alzheimer's?
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Paxill, Zoloft
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What three drugs are used to treat delusions and agitation in early Alzheimer's patients?
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Haldol, Risperdal, Seroquel
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What chinese plant extract can help treat Alzheimer's? What does it act as, and what is its active ingredient?
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Huperzine, a chinese plant extract, acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Its active ingredient is Huperzine A which is structurally similar to Acetlycholine and therefore it can fit into its receptor sites for it to trigger its transmission as it is not victim to degration and re uptake by binding to the receptor. |
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What causes Parkinson's disease?
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Not enough dopamine, a neurotransmitter, being secreted to bind to its receptor sites. When it binds to these sites, it calms the body, hence if there is not enough dopamine a classic symptom is shaking.
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Why do drugs for Parkinson's loose their efficiency?
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Because the body gets used to the dopamine released into the brain due to drugs.
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What is the name of the drug used to fight Parkinson's and how does it work?
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Sinemet is the drug taken to combat Parkinson's. It is not the same chemical as dopamine. Rather it is absorbed by the blood, coupled with another chemical, and travels to the brain where it breaks down into dopamine.
If dopamine were taken orally it would not work because it would fail to pass the blood brain barrier and would not be absorbed by the brain |
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What is the problem in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
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The actual nerve cells become diseased.
this is because the myelin sheaths which protect and insulate the nerve axons are damaged,and therefore transmission is compromised. |
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What two things can possibly ( but are not proven to) prevent Parkinson's?
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sun exposure and vitamin D
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In the field of Neurotoxicology, what relationship does the data show btw substances in the environment and nerve cell function?
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Substances in the environment such as toxins have been shown to interfere will nerve cell function
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Name two neurotoxins, why they are harmful, and an example of each.
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mercury compounds are more dangerous that mercury alone and can interfere with nerve cells making those exposed to great amounts mentally impaired,.
ie) mad hatters in the 1800's rubbed wool with Mercury nitrate and went insane Lead is another neurotoxin, found in pipes and paint. The roman downfall has been tied by some historians to kled poisioning which infected their water We try to have less than 10ppb in our lead supply, so we use filters to be safer. Children need to be cautioned against consuming lead paints as it will cause neurological damage. |
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What is the 10% myth, who backs this theory, and how does it do it?
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the 10% myth is the idea that we only use 10% of our brain, and by harnassing the power of the mind and using certain parts, an individual can use more than 10%
Magician Uri Geller believed he had this capability and tricked people into thinking he could bend metal with his mind. |
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What is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation?
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a way of attacking electrodes to the head to send different currents through the brain to trigger memories and thoughts
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What did Dr Michael Persinger do to trigger visions in people's minds? What was his invention nicknamed and why?
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Exposed the brain to very strong magnetic fields, developing a helmet with magnets in specific places which could be activated to trigger specific visions.
Nicknamed the God helmet because it can trigger visions that people are one with god... also aliens... |
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How can people who meditate control their minds?
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They can lower their blood pressure, heat up certain parts of the body.
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The Placebo effect - what is it, what percentage of a study will feel relief from it, what is the chemical reaction, and cite an example.
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placebo occurs when one takes a pill of no medicinal value and feels cured or a decrease in symptoms.
Chemical endorphins which make one calm and happy can be triggered by thoughs and actions, ie placebo can have an affect. 40-50% of people who take a sugar pill for pain relief believing it is a revolutionary new drug will feel relief. |
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Nocebo - what is it, give two examples?
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Nocebo is the idea that ifyou believe something is toxic or harmful you will suffer or feel symptoms even if there is nothing wrong.
ie stage fright, mass hysteria (Melbourne airport), public speaking |
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Which omega fatty acids are said to be beneficial to the brain and, in terms of nerve cell composition, why?
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Omega 3 acids are said to be "brain food" as the membranes surrounding nerve cells are composed mostly of fats, especially omega 3
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How does DHA, a classic omega 3 fatty acd found in fish, help nerve cells?
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When DHA gets into the bloodstream, two Hydroxy or OH groups are attached to the molecule, allowing it to become a neuroproectin which prevents the neurodegradation of nerve cells.
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What did Nick Balzan study?
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structure of omega three fats
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What is the main source of omega 3 fatty acids and what is one other?
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Fish, flaxseed ( alpha linolenic acid), nuts
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What are two positive effects of folic acid and where can it be found
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it can reduce Alzheimer's risk by 55% and improve memory and information processing speed.
it is found in: chick peas leafy greens whole grains fruits dietary supplements |
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Which two brain foods have an anticoagulant effect?
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Omega 3's and ginko blioba
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What three herbs are thought to be good for the brain and why?
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Ginko Biloba - can increase cerebral circulation but does not improve memory and is an anticoagulant
sage : improves memory test performances Gotu Kola : consumed by the never forgetting elephants |
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What are ways in which to exercise the brain ?
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chess, bridge, crosswords,other mental activities
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can being in good physical shape help your brain's health?
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Yes, because more physically fit individuals have improved circulation and thus improved brain function
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What is neuroplasticity of the brain ?
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neuroplasticity of the brain is its capability to make connections and forge links.
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What did Dr Michael Merzenich believe about neuroplastiicty and what was his experiment?
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He believed that brain exercise could control neuroplasticity
servered the nerve in a monkey's arm and the part of the brain that controlled it took on other functions, and the monkey was able to engage in new activities. |
