neurokognitiv

Neurokognitiv, or neurocognition, refers to the study of how brain structure and function support cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, and executive function. It sits at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science and encompasses both basic research into neural mechanisms and applied work in clinical and educational settings. The goal is to identify neural correlates of mental processes and to understand how neural networks enable thinking and behavior.

Researchers in this field use a range of methods to link brain activity to cognition. Neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) map regional activity; electrophysiological methods like EEG and MEG measure temporal dynamics; and neuropsychological testing assesses cognitive performance. Computational models and brain stimulation approaches (e.g., TMS) are also employed to probe causal relationships. Key frameworks focus on distributed networks, including the default mode, frontoparietal control, and salience networks.

In clinical contexts, neurokognitiv insights support the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions that affect cognition, such as dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and certain psychiatric disorders. Findings guide rehabilitation, cognitive training, and treatment planning, and they help track disease progression or response to intervention.

The field emphasizes development and aging of cognitive function, neural plasticity, and individual differences in cognitive strategies and resilience. Related disciplines include neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience.