The Default Mode Network in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lauren Mak, Luciano Minuzzi, Glenda Macqueen, Geoffrey B. Hall, Sidney H. Kennedy, Roumen Milev
Brain Connectivity December 5, 2016 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2016.0438 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Healthy individuals |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Resting State FMRI Meta-analysis Cognition Connectome Functional connectivity Developmental psychology Cognitive psychology Pathology |
| Citations | 354 |
| Key findings | DMN functional connectivity follows an inverse U-shape across the lifespan, is positively correlated with cognitive function, and is stronger in females than males. |
Abstract
When the brain is not engaged in goal-directed activities and at rest, there are still measureable patterns of activity. One resting-state network, the default mode network (DMN) is responsible for a self-referential introspective state. There are many factors that influence normal changes in brain activity. The purpose of this review is to summarize differences in DMN functional connectivity in healthy individuals by age, sex, cognitive function, and analysis type to characterize what is "normal." Studies were systematically selected up to August 2016. Two reviewers independently used predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. Studies that provided sufficient information were included in a subsequent voxel-wise meta-analysis. Strength of DMN functional connectivity follows an inverse U-shape, where it is strongest in adulthood and lowest in children and elderly. Cognitive function is positively correlated with DMN functional connectivity. Females exhibit stronger intranetwork connectivity compared with males. Effects of analysis type were inconclusive and more studies need to incorporate complementing techniques. The voxel-wise meta-analysis was only conducted for the age factor. Findings supported an immature network in children compared with adults and a stronger network in adults compared with elderly. This is the first study to review differences of DMN functional connectivity in healthy individuals by age, sex, cognitive function, and analysis type. Findings add to the understanding of normal variance. Furthermore, defining a normal comparative base may allow for the identification of DMN change into pathology. This is important since it may allow for the detection of an intermediate risk phenotype and could serve as a biomarker for treatment response.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The wandering brain: Meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies of mind-wandering and related spontaneous thought processes | 2015 | Meta-analysis | |
| Investigating the Functional Heterogeneity of the Default Mode Network Using Coordinate-Based Meta-Analytic Modeling | 2009 | Meta-analysis | |
| Dreaming as mind wandering: evidence from functional neuroimaging and first-person content reports. | 2013 | Systematic review with meta-analytic comparison | |
| Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review Participants from included studies | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| The current state of research on ayahuasca: A systematic review of human studies assessing psychiatric symptoms, neuropsychological functioning, and neuroimaging | 2016 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 21
- The acute effects of classic psychedelics on memory in humans Psychopharmacology January 9, 2021
- Impact of sample size and regression of tissue‐specific signals on effective connectivity within the core default mode network Human Brain Mapping September 15, 2023
- Mindful young brains and minds: a systematic review of the neural correlates of mindfulness-based interventions in youth. Brain Imaging and Behavior April 1, 2025
- A Fragmented Mind: Altered States of Consciousness and Spirit Possession Between Rituals and Therapy. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science July 30, 2025
- Rapid and Prolonged Antidepressant and Antianxiety Effects of Psychedelics and 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Psychoactives October 4, 2024
and 16 more in the library
Cites 9
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- Decoupling of the brain's default mode network during deep sleep Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences June 19, 2009
- Development of functional and structural connectivity within the default mode network in young children Neuroimage April 11, 2010
- Age-related alterations in default mode network: Impact on working memory performance Neurobiology of Aging August 1, 2008
- Development of the Brain's Default Mode Network from Wakefulness to Slow Wave Sleep Cerebral Cortex February 17, 2011
and 4 more in the library