Profiles of Development and Plasticity in Human Neurocognition

Abstract

We describe changes in neural organization and related aspects of processing after naturally occurring alterations in auditory, visual, and language experience. The results highlight the considerable differences in the degree and time periods of neuroplasticity displayed by different subsystems within vision, hearing, language, and attention. We also describe results showing the two sides of neuroplasticity, that is, the capability for enhancement and the vulnerability to deficit. Finally we describe several intervention studies in which we have targeted systems that display more neuroplasticity and show significant improvements in cognitive function and related aspects of brain organization.