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Functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order. It emphasizes the interdependence of social institutions and their collective role in maintaining the equilibrium of the whole system.
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Amnesia is a condition characterized by the loss of memories, such as facts, information, and experiences, typically due to brain damage, disease, or psychological trauma. It can be classified into different types, such as retrograde amnesia, which affects past memories, and anterograde amnesia, which impairs the ability to form new memories.
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Cognitive decline refers to the gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, often associated with aging or neurological disorders. It can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, making early detection and intervention crucial for managing its effects.
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Neurodegenerative diseases are a diverse group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system, often leading to debilitating symptoms and a decline in cognitive and motor functions. These diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, are typically associated with aging, and their exact causes and mechanisms remain subjects of intensive research, focusing on genetic, environmental, and molecular factors.
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The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new memories and is involved in spatial navigation and contextual learning. It plays a significant role in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, and its dysfunction is associated with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
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Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allowing it to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and recover from injuries. This dynamic process underscores the brain's capacity for change and adaptation, challenging the long-held belief that brain development is static after a certain age.
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Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember, significantly affecting daily functioning. It is not a single disease but a syndrome that involves a decline in memory, reasoning, or other cognitive skills, often accompanied by changes in mood, perception, and behavior.
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Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing. It plays a crucial role in reasoning, decision-making, and behavior by allowing individuals to manipulate and utilize information in real-time.
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Long-term memory is a cognitive system that stores information indefinitely, allowing for the retrieval of knowledge and experiences over extended periods. It is crucial for learning, personal identity, and the ability to perform complex tasks by retaining and integrating information from past experiences.
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Short-term memory is a cognitive system that temporarily holds a limited amount of information, typically for about 15 to 30 seconds, before it is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory. It plays a crucial role in everyday tasks, such as language comprehension and problem-solving, by allowing individuals to retain and manipulate information in the moment.
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Neurotransmitter imbalance refers to the disproportionate levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain, potentially leading to various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Understanding and addressing these imbalances can be crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for these conditions.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head. It can result in a range of symptoms from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairments, depending on the extent of the injury and the areas of the brain affected.
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Age-related memory loss is a natural part of the aging process where the brain's ability to encode, store, and retrieve information diminishes gradually. While it is common and not necessarily indicative of dementia, maintaining cognitive activity and a healthy lifestyle can mitigate its impact.
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Memory consolidation is the process by which short-term memories are transformed into stable, long-term memories, primarily occurring during sleep. This process involves the strengthening of neural connections and is crucial for learning and memory retention.
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Memory retrieval is the process of recalling information stored in the brain, which involves reactivating neural pathways that were formed during the encoding of that information. Successful retrieval depends on the effectiveness of these pathways and can be influenced by various factors such as cues, context, and emotional state.
Cognitive-Communication Disorder refers to difficulties in communication resulting from cognitive impairments, affecting processes such as attention, memory, perception, and executive function. These disorders can impact the ability to understand, produce, and use language effectively in social and academic settings.
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Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialized field that bridges psychology and neurology, focusing on understanding how brain structure and function relate to specific psychological processes and behaviors. It employs a variety of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions to diagnose and treat individuals with brain injuries or neurological disorders, aiming to improve their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
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