The Role Of Cognitive Reserve In The Modulation Of Learning, Memory and Plasticity in a Rat Model

The concept of cognitive reserve is based on the idea that individual differences in how tasks are processed might provide differential reserve against brain pathology or age-related changes. That is, brain networks that are more efficient or flexible may be less susceptible to disruption. However, our understanding of how cognitive reserve might be implemented in the form of brain networks is in the very early stages and needs further investigation. Currently, it is understood that animals with greater cognitive reserve will have more efficient or higher capacity brain networks at their disposal and might be able to withstand a greater degree of age-related change while maintaining intact functioning. However, the mechanisms of congnitive reserve have not been identified especially in terms of the ability to modulate memory and learning.

• The Relationship Between The Transcription Repressor, DREAM And The Expression Profile Of Prodynorphin And C-Fos In Modulation Of Pain Responses Induced By Formalin In Rat Spinalcord.
  This study focuses on the kappa opoid receptor, its role in central depression and its proposed role in modulating pain mechanisms.
• Evaluation of C-F05 Expression, DREAM Gene & Ultrastructural Changes in the Brain & Spinal Cord after Thermal Stimuli.
  This study focuses on the neurological “imprinting” of the experiential memory of pain in neonatal rats and its effect on stress induced analgesia in adult rats.
• The Role of DREAM gene in the Regulation of Formalin-induced Pain In REM-Sleep Deprived Rats
  This study sheds light on the role of REM-sleep on the ability to generate stress-induced analgesia.

The Role Of Cognitive Reserve In The Modulation Of Learning, Memory and Plasticity in a Human Model

The concept of Cognitive Reserve [CR ] is based on the hypothesis that some factors, such as education and occupation, genetic variation and neuronal density may, in part, provide a reserve against symptom onset or functional impairment that is secondary to neurological insult. CR theory suggests that despite central nervous system (CNS) insult or disease, a higher CR serves as protection against cognitive dysfunction. It has been established that general anesthesia provides a form of neurological insult that can cause the development of post-operative cognitive disorder [POCD] even in normal individuals undergoing elective [non –neurological ] surgery. This study seeks to determine the mechanisms of cognitive reserve [5] in the modulation of learning and memory in humans by assesssing the role of cognitive reserve in the development of POCD in patients undergoing elective non-neurological surgery.

Community based research into cognitive reserve and neurocognitive profiling

This project is known as Project Minda Bitara and the concept has evolved into a BRAIN SMART SCHOOL which is reflective of the needs at the grassroots level and to be more realistic of the requirements of BRAINetwork USM and the adopted school SK Zainab 2