Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
19:32

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

Published on: February 18, 2012

Dysfunctional brain connectivity and cognition in late preterm infants: novel perspectives on neurodevelopment and

María Inés Herrera1,2

  • 1Facultad de Psicología y Psicopedagogía, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience
|June 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm birth (34-36 weeks) is linked to neurodevelopmental issues. This review covers altered brain connectivity and cognition in these infants, highlighting research gaps and intervention needs.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Late preterm birth (34-36 weeks gestation) is a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • Infants born late preterm exhibit subtle yet impactful dysfunctions in cerebral connectivity.
  • These connectivity issues manifest as learning difficulties during school age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on brain connectivity and cognitive function in late preterm infants.
  • To identify current research gaps in understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • To explore brain-behavior relationships and inform early intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of recent studies.
  • Analysis of research on brain imaging and neurocognitive assessments.
  • Synthesis of findings on cerebral connectivity and learning outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Late preterm infants demonstrate altered patterns of brain connectivity compared to full-term peers.
  • Cognitive deficits, particularly in learning and executive functions, are prevalent.
  • Significant research gaps exist in longitudinal studies and targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Late preterm birth poses risks to neurodevelopment, impacting brain connectivity and cognition.
  • Further research is crucial to elucidate brain-behavior relationships and optimize interventions.
  • Early identification and support are essential for improving outcomes in this population.

Keywords:
cerebral connectivitylate gestationlate preterm infantslearningneurodevelopment

More Related Videos

Scanning Dos and Don'ts: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Awake Children Aged 3 to 5 Years to Assess Brain Structure and Function07:31

Scanning Dos and Don'ts: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Awake Children Aged 3 to 5 Years to Assess Brain Structure and Function

Published on: March 10, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
Neuroplasticity01:01

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
The Nativist Approach01:21

The Nativist Approach

The nativist approach to infant cognitive development proposes that infants are born with inherent knowledge structures that allow them to interpret the world almost immediately. This perspective contrasts with earlier developmental theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, which emphasized a more gradual acquisition of cognitive abilities through interaction with the environment. One key concept in this approach is object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist...
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...