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Cortical plasticity in normal and abnormal cognitive development: evidence and working hypotheses
1Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom. mark.johnson@psyc.bbk.ac.uk
Development and Psychopathology
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Human infant brain development shows limited cortical plasticity due to various constraints. This review explores hypotheses and evidence on the extent and limits of postnatal cerebral cortex specialization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The cerebral cortex exhibits plasticity during early human development.
- This developmental plasticity is not unlimited and is influenced by multiple factors.
- Understanding these constraints is crucial for comprehending cortical specialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence and viewpoints on developmental plasticity in the human cerebral cortex.
- To advance working hypotheses regarding postnatal cortical specialization.
- To assess predictions about the limits and extent of plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical evidence from human infant studies.
- Simulations using simple cortical network models.
- Analysis of factors constraining postnatal cortical plasticity.
Main Results:
- Cortical plasticity in human infants is constrained by various factors.
- Evidence supports specific predictions regarding the limits of plasticity.
- Network models provide insights into functional specialization.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal cortical development involves constrained plasticity.
- Hypotheses on specialization are supported by empirical and simulation data.
- Further research can refine understanding of plasticity limits.