Prefrontal Cortex: Developmental Differences, Executive & Cognitive Functions & Role in Neurological Disorders

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas and has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making and moderating social behaviour. In this book, the authors discuss the developmental differences, executive and cognitive functions and role in neurological disorders relating to the functioning of the prefrontal cortex. Topics include developmental long-chain omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and prefrontal cortex pathology in psychiatric disorders; addiction and the prefrontal cortex; cognitive functioning and prefrontal cortex damage in children and adolescents; prefrontal cortex dysfunction and neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia; and the developmental relationship between executive function and the prefrontal cortex in young children.