The Past Twenty Years Have Seen Advancements In Technology That Were C
The past twenty years have seen advancements in technology that were critical to further understanding concepts in cognitive psychology. Two such developments are positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These scans allow researchers to “see” the brain in action. Research how brain scans can diagnose injury and disease using the Internet and the Argosy University online library resources. Based on your research, answer the following questions: How do PET and MRI work? If you were showing a person words while having an MRI, what brain areas would probably be active? If a brain injury victim is unable to move the right arm, in which area of the brain would an MRI scan most likely reveal damage? What kind of scan do you think would be best in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease? How do the research tools (equipment and methodology) available today contribute to a greater understanding of “conscious processes and immediate experience” than was possible using trained introspection and structuralism? PETs and MRIs also can diagnose head injuries. Consider the following scenario: You are working at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and meet with Allison. Allison is in the US Army and has just returned home from a deployment. During her deployment, a bomb was thrown into a vehicle in which she was riding. She was not severely injured but was told that she sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Respond to the following: Define TBI for Allison. Describe any symptoms that Allison might experience. How do you think the army should deal with these injuries? For example, if Allison is not obviously physically impaired, should she be discharged and receive disability pay? Should she be redeployed? If Allison stays in the army, what kinds of jobs do you think she should not perform? Write your initial response in 4–5 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.
Paper For Above instruction
Technological advancements over the past two decades have significantly enriched our understanding of the brain, especially through tools like positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These neuroimaging techniques have become invaluable in diagnosing brain injuries and diseases, providing insights that extend beyond traditional methods of clinical assessment. PET scans operate by detecting gamma rays emitted from a radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream, thus measuring metabolic processes within the brain. This functional imaging allows researchers and clinicians to assess brain activity and identify abnormalities related to various neurological conditions (Cherry, Nagel, & Phelps, 2020). In contrast, MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of brain structures, offering high-resolution insights into anatomical integrity without exposing
patients to ionizing radiation (Huettel, Song, & McCarthy, 2014). Together, these tools enable a comprehensive understanding of brain function and structure, facilitating early diagnosis and targeted treatments for neurological disorders.
When showing a person words during an MRI scan, active brain areas are typically associated with language processing and comprehension. The left Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area in the cerebral cortex are particularly involved in language production and understanding, respectively (Glenberg, 2019). Additionally, regions such as the inferior frontal gyrus and the superior temporal gyrus become engaged during reading and listening tasks. If a person suffers from a right arm impairment following a brain injury, MRI scans would likely reveal damage in the motor cortex or adjacent areas in the left hemisphere—primarily within the precentral gyrus, which contains the primary motor cortex responsible for voluntary movements (Papadelis et al., 2011). Recognizing the specific location of injury assists clinicians in developing targeted rehabilitation strategies.
For diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, PET scans utilizing amyloid-binding tracers are considered highly effective. These scans can highlight the accumulation of amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s, often before significant cognitive decline occurs (Johnson et al., 2016). MRI also plays a critical role in identifying neurodegeneration by revealing atrophy in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus and the temporal lobes, which are typically affected during disease progression (Jack et al., 2018). While MRI provides invaluable structural information, PET scans focusing on metabolic and molecular changes offer early detection advantages, making them essential tools in comprehensive Alzheimer’s assessment.
The evolution of research tools like PET and MRI has profoundly advanced our understanding of conscious processes and immediate experiences, surpassing the limitations of earlier methodologies such as trained introspection and structuralism. Unlike introspection, which relied on subjective reports, these imaging technologies allow for objective measurement of brain activity in real-time during cognitive tasks (Cacioppo, Berntson, & Nepa, 2018). Consequently, researchers can observe the neural correlates of consciousness and sensory experiences with precision. Additionally, functional imaging exposes the dynamic interplay of neural networks involved in perception, attention, and awareness, providing insights into how the brain generates conscious experience (Plaut & Behrens, 2020). This technological progression has transformed cognitive psychology from relying solely on behavioral observation to directly visualizing the neural substrates of mental phenomena.
Addressing the scenario involving Allison, a soldier who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), requires understanding the nature and implications of such injuries. TBI refers to a disruption in normal brain function caused by external mechanical forces, often from blows or rapid movement of the brain within the skull (Maas et al., 2017). Symptoms of TBI can vary but commonly include headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, mood swings, and fatigue. In Allison’s case, mild TBI might manifest as memory problems, concentration issues, or emotional irritability, even in the absence of visible physical impairments (Corrigan et al., 2018). Given these potential deficits, the military needs to adopt comprehensive management strategies, including medical evaluation, cognitive rehabilitation, and mental health support, to facilitate recovery and reintegration.
Decision-making regarding Allison’s military service should be based on a thorough assessment of her symptoms and functional capacity. If she demonstrates cognitive or emotional impairments that jeopardize her safety or effectiveness, a temporary or permanent discharge may be warranted, along with disability benefits to support her recovery. Conversely, if she can safely perform her duties, she might be redeployed in roles that are less cognitively or physically demanding, with appropriate accommodations. Certain positions requiring high levels of cognitive engagement, such as combat roles or positions involving complex decision-making, may pose risks if her symptoms persist. Ultimately, prioritizing her health and well-being is essential, and a multidisciplinary approach should guide her transition back to duty or civilian life.
References
Cherry, S. R., Nagel, S. R., & Phelps, M. E. (2020). Positron emission tomography: Basic sciences. In *Positron Emission Tomography*. Springer.
Glenberg, A. M. (2019). The role of the motor system in understanding language. *Psychological Review*, 126(4), 583–595.
Huettel, S. A., Song, A. W., & McCarthy, G. (2014). *Functional magnetic resonance imaging*. Sinauer Associates.
Jack, C. R., Jr., et al. (2018). NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer’s disease. *Alzheimer's & Dementia*, 14(4), 535–562.
Johnson, K. A., et al. (2016). Brain amyloid imaging in clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
*Neurobiology of Aging*, 47, 40–50.
Maas, A. I. R., et al. (2017). Traumatic brain injury: Integrated approaches to improve current practice. *Lancet Neurology*, 16(12), 983–985.
Papadelis, C., et al. (2011). The role of the motor cortex in recovery from stroke: An MRI study. *NeuroImage*, 54(3), 2038–2048.
Plaut, D. C., & Behrens, T. E. J. (2020). Challenges and opportunities for understanding consciousness through neuroimaging. *Nature Reviews Neuroscience*, 21(4), 197–209.
Cacioppo, J. T., Berntson, G. G., & Nepa, M. (2018). The science of brain imaging: Advances in understanding conscious experience. *Perspectives on Psychological Science*, 13(6), 777–792.