Executive functioning: perspectives on neurotrophic activity and pharmacology

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Executive functioning is a critical high-level cognitive ability that regulates behaviors and other cognitive processes to achieve goals.
• Executive dysfunction significantly impacts daily life, academic success, and is a core feature of brain injury, memory, and behavioral disorders.
• Current memory therapeutics show limited efficacy if executive dysfunction is not concurrently addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of targeting specific brain signaling pathways, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways, for improving executive functions.
• To investigate novel therapeutic strategies for executive dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• This study reviews emerging evidence on the role of signaling pathways in executive function.
• Focuses on the potential of agents targeting the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Emerging evidence suggests that interventions targeting brain signaling pathways, particularly BDNF, can improve executive functions.
• These targeted interventions hold promise for enhancing cognitive performance in individuals with executive dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways offers a promising avenue for treating executive dysfunction.
• Agents targeting BDNF pathways could serve as standalone treatments or adjuncts for various neurological and psychiatric conditions characterized by executive dysfunction.