Medial prefrontal decoupling from the default mode network benefits memory
N.C.J. Müller, Martin Dresler, G. Janzen, Christian Beckmann, G Fernández, N. Kohn
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional developmental study |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | During retrieval of schema items, the mPFC decoupled from the DMN, and the degree of decoupling predicted memory performance. |
Abstract
Abstract In the last few years the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in memory processing has received increased attention. It is centrally involved when we use prior knowledge (schemas) to improve learning of new material. With the mPFC also being one of the core hubs of the default mode network (DMN) and the DMN’s role in memory retrieval, we decided to investigate whether the mPFC in a schema paradigm acts independently of the DMN. We tested this with data from a cross-sectional developmental study. During retrieval of schema items, the mPFC decoupled from the DMN with the degree of decoupling predicting memory performance. This finding suggests that a demand specific reconfiguration of the DMN supports schema memory. Additionally, we found that in the control condition, which relied on episodic memory, activity in the parahippocampal gyrus was positively related to memory performance. We interpret these results as a demand specific network reconfiguration of the DMN: a decoupling of the mPFC to support schema memory and a decoupling of the parahippocampal gyrus facilitating episodic memory. This supports the notion of dynamic reconfiguration of brain networks in response to task demands in the sense of process specific alliances.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on default mode network, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Patterns of Brain Activity Supporting Autobiographical Memory, Prospection, and Theory of Mind, and Their Relationship to the Default Mode Network Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience July 6, 2009
- Dynamic reconfiguration of the default mode network during narrative comprehension Nature Communications July 18, 2016
- Default mode network connectivity during task execution Neuroimage July 26, 2015