About this Research Topic
This Research Topic is part of a series of Research Topics on neuronal mechanisms and brain circuits that regulate the fundamental aspects of human behaviour. Volume I: Perspective-taking, Self-awareness and Social Cognition in Neurodegenerative Disorders, cerebral abnormalities and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI): A Neurocognitive Approach.
This Research Topic provides an overview of cognitive science and affective and social neuroscience findings in aging, exploring neuropsychological processes and brain circuits that regulate the fundamental aspects of human behaviour.
Our primary intent is to examine the neural underpinnings and functional mechanisms of social behaviour, of affective/cognitive regulation of behaviour in aging, and of the alterations of these processes in normal subjects and individuals with minor and major neurocognitive disorder, by analysing both theoretical and experimental contributions. Indeed, the Research Topic covers the perception of social information, imitation and empathy, theory of mind, cognitive control, emotions and motivation, social inclusion and social exclusion, neurophysiology of reward mechanisms, and their role in normal and pathological decision-making processes. Relevance will be given also to all aspects that may change the functioning of the previous ones with age, such as neuropsychological factors (memory, attention, metacognitive-executive functions), personality, and mood. Emphasis will be placed also on neuroanatomical circuits and neurochemical modulation mechanisms, integrating a variety of research methods: behavioural, neurophysiological, psychopharmacological, computational, and neuroimaging.
Our aim is to give a reader the most up-to-date perspective on how the interaction between neural mechanisms and neuropsychological processes lead to complex and highly organized behaviours in normal aging and minor and major neurocognitive disorders. We welcome contributions from clinicians, neuroscientists, and academics. It is intended to provide an opportunity for researchers of different perspectives to discuss recent progress in this field.
Researchers using various methods - including behavioural experiments, neuroimaging, eye-tracking, computer simulation, observational methods, and neuropsychological assessment tools - are encouraged to contribute especially original empirical research articles. Furthermore, the call is open for theoretical approaches such as Reviews, Perspective, and Opinion articles on promising future directions.
This Research Topic provides an overview of cognitive science and affective and social neuroscience findings in aging, exploring neuropsychological processes and brain circuits that regulate the fundamental aspects of human behaviour.
Our primary intent is to examine the neural underpinnings and functional mechanisms of social behaviour, of affective/cognitive regulation of behaviour in aging, and of the alterations of these processes in normal subjects and individuals with minor and major neurocognitive disorder, by analysing both theoretical and experimental contributions. Indeed, the Research Topic covers the perception of social information, imitation and empathy, theory of mind, cognitive control, emotions and motivation, social inclusion and social exclusion, neurophysiology of reward mechanisms, and their role in normal and pathological decision-making processes. Relevance will be given also to all aspects that may change the functioning of the previous ones with age, such as neuropsychological factors (memory, attention, metacognitive-executive functions), personality, and mood. Emphasis will be placed also on neuroanatomical circuits and neurochemical modulation mechanisms, integrating a variety of research methods: behavioural, neurophysiological, psychopharmacological, computational, and neuroimaging.
Our aim is to give a reader the most up-to-date perspective on how the interaction between neural mechanisms and neuropsychological processes lead to complex and highly organized behaviours in normal aging and minor and major neurocognitive disorders. We welcome contributions from clinicians, neuroscientists, and academics. It is intended to provide an opportunity for researchers of different perspectives to discuss recent progress in this field.
Researchers using various methods - including behavioural experiments, neuroimaging, eye-tracking, computer simulation, observational methods, and neuropsychological assessment tools - are encouraged to contribute especially original empirical research articles. Furthermore, the call is open for theoretical approaches such as Reviews, Perspective, and Opinion articles on promising future directions.
Keywords: mirror neurons, empathy, emotions, theory of mind, imitation, reward system, social cognition, social decision-making, social inclusion, social exclusion, metacognition, executive functions, cognitive control, aging, normal elderly, neurocognitive disorde
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
