Embodied cognition in neurodegenerative disorders: What do we know so far? A narrative review focusing on the mirror neuron system and clinical applications. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maggio, Maria Grazia; Piazzitta, Denise; Andaloro, Adriana; Latella, Desiree; Sciarrone, Francesca; Casella, Carmela; Naro, Antonino; Manuli, Alfredo; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical neuroscience. Volume 98(2022)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Embodied cognition -- Mirror neurons -- Action understanding -- Virtual reality; Brain -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Brain -- surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosurgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.01.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-5868

Abstract

Highlights: EC construct is based on the impact of the motor system on the cognition domains. MN are "embodied neurons" as they are activated even when seeing the actions of other people. Body states influence mental functions, such reasoning, while mental states cause body changes. Abnormalities in EC are found neurodegenerative diseases, also in absence of other cognitive deficits. Abstract: Embodied cognition is a theoretical perspective that considers every form of human knowledge and cognition "embodied", as they pass through bodily experience. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the importance of mirror neurons system in EC, as well as the EC role in neurodegenerative diseases. This narrative review shows deep connections between body and mind: body states influence mental functions such as perception and reasoning, while mental states cause changes in the body, especially in neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, abnormalities in EC were found in dementia, Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis, also in the absence of other cognitive deficits, negatively affecting patients' outcomes. Exploiting EC mechanisms for rehabilitation purposes, also using innovation technologies, could be a promising therapeutic way to increase motor and cognitive outcomes in patients affected by different neurological disorders.