Neurotransmitters and Cognitive Function: Bridging Brain Chemistry and Behavior

Neurotransmitters and Cognitive Function: Bridging Brain Chemistry and Behavior
Mahsa Mohammadi Tirabadi,¹ Saba Safdarpour,^2,*
1. Faculty of Modern Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2. Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: The human brain contains an intricate network of connections that allow learning, thinking, emotions, information processing, and decision-making to occur simultaneously. These processes are not simply the result of neuron-to-neuron connections; instead, they rely on a vast and dynamic neural communication network. The mediators of this communication are neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that operate in the synaptic space. Depending on their receptors, neurotransmitters can have excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory effects on neurons, shaping how information flows in the brain.
Methods: We reviewed original and review articles published from 2021 onward using PubMed and Google Scholar to gather up-to-date insights into the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters influence cognition.
Results: There are four primary neuromodulatory systems essential for cognitive functions: • Acetylcholine: Crucial for learning, memory, synaptic plasticity, and decision-making. • Norepinephrine: Influences arousal, attention, sensory processing, and cognitive flexibility. • Dopamine: Modulates reward processing, motivation, and mood, and is linked to the development of depression. • Serotonin: Plays a role in mood regulation, learning, and emotional balance. Disturbances in the cholinergic and noradrenergic systems can lead to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, norepinephrine is critical for memory formation and executive function, while acetylcholine supports decision-making and learning processes. The interaction between these two systems is highly complex, and specific modulators regulate distinct subtasks under varying conditions. Understanding this interplay is key for designing novel therapeutic strategies for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Conclusion: Neurotransmitters are the chemical language of the brain, carrying messages that govern emotions, thoughts, memory, movement, learning, sleep, and alertness. A wide range of molecules—including amino acids, amines, purines, and neuropeptides—can act as neurotransmitters, emphasizing their versatility and critical role. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can contribute to autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression, and sleep disorders. Early detection and understanding of neurotransmitter dynamics are crucial for preventing disease progression and improving cognitive outcomes. By unraveling how neurotransmitters shape cognition, we can better bridge the gap between brain chemistry and behavior, opening doors for innovative treatments.
Keywords: Neurotransmitters, Synaptic space, Noradrenergic, Cholinergic, Cognitive function