Brain Modularity: A Biomarker of Intervention-related Plasticity

Trends Cogn Sci. 2019 Apr;23(4):293-304. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.01.014. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Abstract

Interventions using methods such as cognitive training and aerobic exercise have shown potential to enhance cognitive abilities. However, there is often pronounced individual variability in the magnitude of these gains. Here, we propose that brain network modularity, a measure of brain subnetwork segregation, is a unifying biomarker of intervention-related plasticity. We present work from multiple independent studies demonstrating that individual differences in baseline brain modularity predict gains in cognitive control functions across several populations and interventions, spanning healthy adults to patients with clinical deficits and cognitive training to aerobic exercise. We believe that this predictive framework provides a foundation for developing targeted, personalized interventions to improve cognition.

Keywords: brain injury; cognitive control; cognitive training; executive function; functional connectivity; graph theory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Cognitive Remediation*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers