Neurology of cognition and social behavior. A narrative review of neurobiological bases and clinical aspects

Cognitive and behavioral processes of a social nature emerge in childhood and remain efficient throughout life. An increase in the prevalence of neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders has been noted, with consequent difficulty in understanding facial and body expressions, as well as perceiving emotions. The aim of this narrative or non-systematic review was to provide an overview of the neurobiology and neural bases of cognition about social behavior. We reviewed the neural correlates involved in social perception, empathy, theory of mind (ToM) and decision-making. We also discussed the clinical setting, and recommended tests to evaluate social signs, empathy, ToM process, and social decision-making. Neuropsychological assessment and clinical evaluation of social cognition is an increasing field to evaluate human cognition, with interesting findings added to neurologist practice.