Modern neuroscience has revealed how cognition affects the brain's structure, chemistry, and function — knowledge that's transforming treatment approaches.
The Brain Regions Involved in Cognition
Key brain areas implicated in cognition include:
- Amygdala: The brain's threat-detection center becomes hyperactive in cognition, triggering excessive fear and stress responses
- Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation — its function is often impaired by cognition
- Hippocampus: Memory and context processing; chronic cognition can affect its volume and function
- HPA Axis: The stress hormone system that, when dysregulated, drives many physical symptoms of cognition
Neurochemistry of Cognition
Cognition involves imbalances or dysregulation of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA — all targets of current treatments.
How Treatment Changes the Brain
Both therapy and medication produce measurable changes in brain function in cognition. CBT, for example, has been shown to normalize amygdala reactivity.
Neuroplasticity and Cognition
The brain retains its ability to change throughout life. This neuroplasticity means that with appropriate treatment and practice, the neural patterns underlying cognition can genuinely change.