Which procedure is likely to improve cognition?

The procedure that is likely to improve cognition involves drilling a burr hole into the skull, as this approach can be linked to specific medical interventions aimed at addressing issues such as increased intracranial pressure or accessing areas of the brain for therapeutic purposes. In certain cases, such as when treating conditions like hydrocephalus or brain lesions, removing part of the skull can relieve pressure and improve cerebral blood flow, potentially leading to enhanced cognitive function. This approach is often part of a broader surgical intervention aimed at counteracting factors that impede brain performance or increase cognitive difficulties.

Other options listed are not similarly aimed at improving cognitive function. For instance, applying heat to the brain may not provide benefits and could lead to negative outcomes rather than promote cognitive improvement. Using an MRI is primarily a diagnostic tool that helps visualize brain structures and assess conditions rather than a procedure that alters or enhances cognition directly. A simple blood test, while it can provide important health information, does not actively influence cognitive processes. Therefore, while the other options may relate to brain health or diagnostics, only the surgical intervention directly engages in potentially improving cognitive function through its physiological effects.