Learning to read alters cortico-subcortical cross-talk in the visual system of illiterates.
Michael A SkeideUttam KumarRamesh K MishraViveka N TripathiAnupam GuleriaJay P SinghFrank EisnerFalk HuettigPublished in: Science advances (2017)
Learning to read is known to result in a reorganization of the developing cerebral cortex. In this longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study in illiterate adults, we show that only 6 months of literacy training can lead to neuroplastic changes in the mature brain. We observed that literacy-induced neuroplasticity is not confined to the cortex but increases the functional connectivity between the occipital lobe and subcortical areas in the midbrain and the thalamus. Individual rates of connectivity increase were significantly related to the individual decoding skill gains. These findings crucially complement current neurobiological concepts of normal and impaired literacy acquisition.
Keyphrases
- functional connectivity
- resting state
- magnetic resonance imaging
- health information
- white matter
- single molecule
- high glucose
- computed tomography
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- cross sectional
- drug induced
- multiple sclerosis
- diabetic rats
- healthcare
- contrast enhanced
- deep brain stimulation
- endothelial cells
- virtual reality
- blood brain barrier