Nuno Freitas, Ph.D. — Cognitive Neuroscientist

Nuno Freitas, Ph.D., is a cognitive neuroscientist whose research spans brain structure and function, neuroplasticity, cognitive aging, and the neural basis of intelligence. He contributed to the development of the Jouve-Cerebrals Crystallized Educational Scale (JCCES), one of the foundational assessments in the Cogn-IQ battery. His current work integrates neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment, and computational modeling to understand how biological and environmental factors — from genetics and epigenetics to air pollution and gut microbiota — shape brain health across the lifespan. He writes on topics including the neuroscience of cognitive decline, environmental neurotoxicology, the gut-brain axis, and evidence-based strategies for maintaining cognitive performance. ORCID: 0000-0002-5471-4557

ORCID: 0000-0002-5471-4557

Research Interests

  • Brain structure, white matter integrity, and cognitive performance
  • Cognitive aging, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Genetics, epigenetics, and the biology of intelligence
  • Environmental neurotoxicology (air pollution, chemical exposures)
  • The gut-brain axis and its role in neurodevelopment
  • Exercise, diet, and lifestyle factors in brain health

Contributions to Cognitive Assessment

Nuno contributed to the original development of the Jouve-Cerebrals Crystallized Educational Scale (JCCES) during its 2005–2010 development phase, one of the foundational instruments in the Cogn-IQ assessment battery.

Articles on PsychoLogic

Nuno has authored 23 articles on neuroscience, brain health, genetics, and environmental factors affecting cognition:

Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Function (9)

Does Exercise Boost Brain Power? What Neuroscience Actually Says (2026)

Exploring Cognitive and Brain Development Through GALAMMs (2023)

Peering into Decision Making: Exploration of Modeling Eye Movements (2023)

Cognitive Deficits in Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients (2022)

Early-Life Penicillin Exposure: Gut Microbiome and Brain Gene Expression (2021)

Gut Microbiota and Neurodevelopment in Infancy (2021)

Decision Acuity and Its Impact on Mental Health (2021)

White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Performance (2020)

The Link Between Dysphoria and Memory (2015)

Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition (4)

Air Pollution and Your Brain: The Cognitive Costs You Don’t See (2026)

Hidden Harm: Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Its Impact on Young Brains (2023)

Early-Life Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Neurodevelopment (2020)

Brain’s Response to Socioeconomic Status (2019)

Cognitive Aging and Decline (5)

COVID Brain Fog: What Research Says About Long-Term Cognitive Effects (2026)

AMES: A New Dawn in Early Detection of Cognitive Decline (2023)

Dietary Patterns, Cognitive Function, and Brain Aging (2021)

Generational Shifts in Cognitive Health (2020)

A New Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment (2014)

Cognitive Abilities and Intelligence (2)

The Link Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Health (2024)

Exploring the Dynamics of Speed and Intelligence (2011)

Genetics and Cognitive Abilities (3)

Distinct Genetic and Environmental Origins of Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities in Adult Humans (2024)

CORD7 Mutation and Its Impact on Human Cognition (2022)

Epigenetic Influence on IQ Malleability: Insights from the IMAGEN Project (2018)

Topic Guides

Meet the Team