Brain Functional and Structural Connectivity and Cognition

Dear Colleagues,

Cognitive neuroscience has been impacted by the recent approach to structure–function relationships—a network-based approach, in which the product of structurally and functionally interconnected brain areas is the basis for higher brain functions such as attention, memory, language, emotion, or executive function. A large-scale distributed network integrating and interacting with relatively segregated and local networks is recognized as one of the principles for human information processing. The impaired functional segregation and integration of network organization may account for some cognitive and behavioral disorders.

Since the early 1990s, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become one of the most important tools in studies of the neuroanatomy of cognitive processes. Resting-state fMRI also provides measures regarding the balance between the segregated and integrated network architecture of functional connectivity. In addition, diffusion-weighted MRI and direct electrical brain stimulation have provided empirical findings demonstrating the importance of anatomical connectivity through white matter in multiple domains of cognition.

Our aim is for this Special Issue to present reviews or original articles that report recent findings in our understanding of functional and structural brain connectivity involved in a variety of cognitive functions and their impairments.

Prof. Dr. Shuhei Yamaguchi
Prof. Dr. Keiichi Onoda
Topic Editors