Computing language and cognitive deficits in a three layered cortex

Abstract

The ongoing research funded by FAPESP/IBM aims to develop a neocortical network model with mirror neurons that recognizes verbs accordingly with their lexical parameters to mimic the cognitive performance of human subjects in a verb recognition task. During the evolution of the cerebral cortex, aspects of the structure of primitive olfactory areas have been adapted to new functions in the neocortical areas. Therefore, the comprehension of three-Layered cortices such as the piriform cortex in certain way can help us to better understand the computation of cognitive functions in six-Layered neocortical structures. We will develop a three-Layered computational model of the piriform cortex to investigate changes in oscillations affected by mild myelin disruption. These studies will test whether the neural basis underlying the changes in cognitive functions in mild myelin disruption are due to altered oscillations impairing the neural communication between areas. This approach will benefit directly the computational capabilities of the mirror-neuron based neocortical network that computes language by uncovering how syntax is encoded by neural oscillations. (AU)