How do glial cells influence cognitive function and neurodevelopmental disorders?

Question: How do glial cells influence cognitive function and neurodevelopmental disorders?
- Keywords:
  cells,
  glial
Asked by them20fen to Sally, Mmboyi, Mike, Michael, Jacinta, Gliday, Elkana, Edna, Arnold on 17 Jul 2025.
- Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:
  
  Glial cells, far from being mere “glue,” play crucial roles in both normal cognitive function and the development of neurodevelopmental disorders. They influence cognitive processes by regulating neuronal communication, synaptic plasticity, and the overall health of neural circuits. Dysfunctional glial activity, particularly in astrocytes and microglia, has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.