Cognitive Neuroscience of Dyslexia

Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch. 2018 Oct 24;49(4):798-809. doi: 10.1044/2018_LSHSS-DYSLC-18-0020.

Abstract

Purpose: This review summarizes what is known about the structural and functional brain bases of dyslexia.

Method: We review the current literature on structural and functional brain differences in dyslexia. This includes evidence about differences in gray matter anatomy, white matter connectivity, and functional activations in response to print and language. We also summarize findings concerning brain plasticity in response to interventions.

Results: We highlight evidence relating brain function and structure to instructional issues such as diagnosis and prognosis. We also highlight evidence about brain differences in early childhood, before formal reading instruction in school, which supports the importance of early identification and intervention.

Conclusion: Neuroimaging studies of dyslexia reveal how the disorder is related to differences in structure and function in multiple neural circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Dyslexia / diagnostic imaging
  • Dyslexia / pathology
  • Dyslexia / physiopathology*
  • Dyslexia / psychology
  • Humans
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuronal Plasticity*
  • Reading