The finding of mirror neurons (MNs) has provided a biological substrate to a new concept of cognition, relating data on actions and perceptions not only to integrate perception in action planning and execution but also as a neural mechanism supporting a wide range of cognitive functions. Here we first summarize data on MN localization and role in primates, then we report findings in normal human subjects: functional magnetic resonance imaging and neurophysiological studies sustain that MNs have a role in motor learning and recognizing actions and intentions of others, and they also support an embodied view of language, empathy, and memory. Then, we detail the results of literature searching on MNs and embodied cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/Alzheimer's disease (AD). In PD the network of MN could be altered, but its hyperactivation might support motor and cognitive performances at least in early stages. In the ALS/FTD continuum, preliminary evidence points out to an involvement of the MN network, which could explain language and inter-subjectivity deficits shown in patients affected by these clinical entities. In the MCI/AD spectrum, a few recent studies suggest a possible progressive involvement from posterior to anterior areas of the MN network, with the brain putting in place compensatory mechanisms in early stages. Reinterpreting neurodegenerative diseases at the light of the new views about brain organization stemming from the discovery of MN could help to better comprehend clinical manifestations and open new pathways to rehabilitation.

中文翻译：

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镜像神经元及其与神经退行性疾病的关系。

镜像神经元 (MNs) 的发现为认知的新概念提供了生物学基础，将动作和感知的数据关联起来，不仅将感知整合到动作规划和执行中，而且作为支持广泛认知功能的神经机制。在这里，我们首先总结了灵长类动物中 MN 定位和作用的数据，然后我们报告了正常人类受试者的发现：功能磁共振成像和神经生理学研究支持 MN 在运动学习和识别他人的动作和意图方面发挥作用，并且它们也支持语言、同理心和记忆的具体化观点。然后，我们详细介绍了帕金森病 (PD)、额颞叶痴呆 (FTD)/肌萎缩侧索硬化 (ALS) 中 MNs 和具身认知的文献检索结果，和轻度认知障碍（MCI）/阿尔茨海默病（AD）。在 PD 中，MN 网络可能会改变，但其过度激活可能至少在早期阶段支持运动和认知表现。在 ALS/FTD 连续体中，初步证据指出 MN 网络的参与，这可以解释受这些临床实体影响的患者出现的语言和主体间性缺陷。在 MCI/AD 范围内，最近的一些研究表明，从 MN 网络的后部到前部区域可能逐渐参与，大脑在早期阶段就建立了补偿机制。根据 MN 发现产生的关于大脑组织的新观点重新解释神经退行性疾病有助于更好地理解临床表现并开辟新的康复途径。