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Updated: May 29, 2026
19:32
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Neurocognitive development in preterm infants: insights from different approaches
Giovanni Mento1, Patrizia Silvia Bisiacchi
1Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (LCNL), Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padova (PD), Italy. giovanni.mento@unipd.it
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Neuroimaging advances allow studying infant brain development and the interplay between genetics and environment. This review explores how new techniques illuminate early cognitive development, particularly in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Cognitive Development
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Historically, speculative questions about early brain function were unanswerable.
- Neuroimaging techniques now provide empirical data on infant brain structure and function.
- Understanding the interplay between genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on neurocognitive development.
- To highlight advancements in neuroimaging techniques applied to infants.
- To examine the interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental influences on early development, using preterm birth as a model.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neurocognitive development.
- Focus on neuroimaging techniques including electroencephalography (EEG), event-related potentials (ERPs), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and functional MRI (fMRI).
- Analysis of studies focusing on the early life period, particularly preterm infants.
Main Results:
- Recent neuroimaging tools enable detailed descriptions of brain development from birth.
- These techniques facilitate the investigation of nature vs. nurture interactions in early development.
- Preterm birth serves as a valuable case study for examining genetic and experiential influences on cortical development.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging has revolutionized the study of human cognitive development.
- Advanced methods allow for a deeper understanding of the complex interactions shaping the infant brain.
- Further research using these techniques can elucidate critical periods and influences in early neurodevelopment.
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