The role of medial prefrontal cortex in cognition, aging and Parkinson disease

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a vital center for executive control, influencing cognition, emotion, memory, and sociability. Specifically, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a part of the PFC, monitors actions toward goals, aids decision-making, and regulates cognitive control. It assesses outcomes relative to expected rewards, selects appropriate behavior based on continuous performance analysis, and facilitates strategic adaptation in response to adverse results. Unfortunately, these cognitive functions decline with age due to changes in neuroplasticity, especially in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt normal brain activity, leading to tissue atrophy and cognitive impairment caused by degeneration and neuronal death. PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease globally, characterized by a decline in neurotransmitters and dopaminergic neuron death in the substantia nigra, along with the presence of Lewy bodies. Recognizing these factors as risk factors for PD development is crucial. This article examines how aging affects cognitive activities regulated by the mPFC, a pivotal region for critical cognitive functions. By applying predetermined criteria, the review selects the most relevant articles to provide a comprehensive understanding of cognitive deficits mediated by the mPFC in both healthy and pathological aging.