The Mitigation of Synaptic Pruning: A Technical Manual for Ocular-Motor Recalibration and Synaptic Maintenance

The Mitigation of Synaptic Pruning: A Technical Manual for Ocular-Motor Recalibration and Synaptic Maintenance Principal Researcher: Valerie A. Del Valle ORCID ID: 0009-0004-5294-7981 October 13, 2026 Abstract: This research identifies the mechanical degradation of the Superior Colliculus and Frontal Eye Fields (FEF) as a direct consequence of lack of aesthetics in senior residential environments. Current "passive observation" models (e.g., Bingo, television) lack the Information Architecture required to trigger ballistic saccades, leading to Synaptic Pruning. This paper proposes the Neuro-Art Enrichment (NAE™) protocol as a targeted intervention to re-engage the neural substrate through high-contrast target acquisition and Assisted Agency. Del Valle, V.A. (2026) The Mitigation of Synaptic Pruning: A Technical Manual for Ocular-Motor Recalibration and Synaptic Maintenance. Zenodo. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.19376433. Bibliography Anastasio, T.J. et al. (2022) David A. Robinson’s Modeling the Oculomotor Control System. 1st ed. San Diego: Elsevier. D’Agostino, A. (2024) Environmental demands and the maintenance of neural substrates in aging populations’, Journal of Geriatric Neuroscience, 12(4), pp. 88-102. Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2024) The impact of environmental loading on synaptic maintenance and brain function, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 25(2), pp. 120-135. Leigh, R.J. and Zee, D.S. (1984) “THE NEUROLOGY OF EYE MOVEMENTS:,” Optometry and Vision Science, 61(2), pp. 139–140. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/00006324-198402000-00014. Park, D.C. and Bischof, G.N. (2013) “The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training,” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 15(1), pp. 109–119. Available at: https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/dpark. Schultz, W. (2015) “Neuronal Reward and Decision Signals: From Theories to Data,” Physiological Reviews, 95(3), pp. 853–951. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00023.2014.. Zeki, S. (2001) “Artistic Creativity and the Brain,” Science, 293(5527), pp. 51–52. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1062331. ©2026 Valerie A. Del Valle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication—including the Neuro-Art Enrichment (NAE™) protocol, the Quadrilateral Neuro-Art Protocol (QNAE™), or the associated Ocular-Motor diagnostic benchmarks—may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact Neuro-Art for Seniors, LLC.