Executive Function in Preterm Born Children: An Integrative Approach From Genetics to Brain Function

Hd-EEG and MRI measures are used to study the maturation of functional networks in order to identify the neural circuits underlying executive and memory processes in children born preterm. It will be determined whether children born preterm with executive function deficits will have an abnormal connectivity between basal ganglia and cortex due to WM injury. Moreover, the development of hd-EEG activity during sleep (coherence and travelling waves) and brain maturation of children and adolescents born preterm will be compared with the respective measures in healthy controls. This is of eminent importance as it helps to understand the nature of executive function and hence, it may help to develop neuroprotective strategies to prevent executive function deficits in these infants.