Understanding the Functioning of Brain Networks in Health and Disease

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 69

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
2. Leicester Institute for Pharmaceutical, Health and Social Care Innovations (LIPHSCI), De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
Interests: artificial intelligence; brain-computer interfaces; complexity; connectivity; deep learning; EEG; entropy; fMRI; neurofeedback; neuroimaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding brain networks in health and disease provides insights into how the brain’s interconnected regions collaborate for cognitive, emotional, and motor functions. In healthy brains, networks such as the Default Mode Network (DMN), Central Executive Network (CEN), and Salience Network dynamically interact based on cognitive demands, displaying adaptability and plasticity. These networks allow for efficient information processing and adaptation to new experiences.

In disease states, disruptions in functional connectivity and signal complexity within and between networks are common. For example, in Alzheimer’s Disease, there is reduced DMN connectivity, correlating with memory loss. Schizophrenia shows altered connectivity in networks related to thought and perception, while depression involves abnormal DMN and limbic system interactions, contributing to emotional dysregulation. Neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism exhibit atypical social and emotional network functioning, affecting communication skills.

Techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) help map brain network activity, revealing patterns of disruption in various conditions. These insights have led to clinical applications like neurofeedback and personalized medicine, allowing for targeted therapies and interventions. Understanding brain networks is crucial for developing more effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, fostering better outcomes in mental health and cognitive rehabilitation.

Dr. Moses O. Sokunbi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • brain networks
  • cognitive dysfunction
  • diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
  • electroencephalography (EEG)
  • functional connectivity
  • functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
  • magnetoencephalography (MEG)
  • neurological disorders
  • neuroplasticity
  • psychiatric disorders
  • artificial intelligence
  • deep learning
  • neural networks
  • signal complexity

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
Back to TopTop