Speaker:

A/Professor Gail Robinson

School of Psychology, University of Queensland

Title: Frontal lobe functions in health and disease: evidence from neuropsychology

Abstract: The cognitive functions associated with the frontal cortex are crucial for adaptive behaviour and communication within a social context. These “executive” abilities naturally decline with age and are frequently disturbed in the context of neurological disorders affecting the brain. In this talk, I will focus on specific executive functions that play a role in cognitive control; namely, initiation and energization of ideas, response inhibition and the use of strategic processes. Evidence will come from neuropsychological studies of healthy and pathological ageing (dementia), as well as patients with focal lesions to the frontal lobe due to stroke and brain tumours. With a range of neuropsychological methods, these studies refine our understanding of high-order frontal “executive” functions, and the associated neural correlates. In addition, these studies inform development of new neurocognitive assessment tools for the detection of cognitive impairment and interventions to restore or maintain function.

About Neuroscience Seminars

Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.

Seminars in the QBI Auditorium on Level 7 are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details. 

 

Neuroscience Seminars archive 2005-2018