Quantum Approaches to Brain and Mind: A Comprehensive Review of Theories, Evidence, and Future Directions
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) May 12, 2026 Taruna Ikrar, Wachyudi Muchsin, Alfi Sophian
Whether quantum mechanical phenomena play a functional role in brain activity and the emergence of consciousness remains a controversial debate. This review systematically examines theoretical frameworks proposing quantum-level mechanisms in neural computation, including the Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) hypothesis, the quantum brain hypothesis, quantum coherence models in microtubules, and quantum field theories of consciousness. It evaluates empirical evidence from quantum biology, the challenge of decoherence in warm biological systems, and experimental observations of quantum effects in biological systems. Quantum cognition models for perception, decision-making, and memory are discussed. Emerging evidence from quantum biology and neuroimaging provides tentative support for quantum processes in neural substrates, though significant scientific skepticism remains.