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The role of executive functioning in spontaneous confabulation
Gudrun M S Nys1, Martine J E van Zandvoort, Gerwin Roks
1Psychological Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands. g.nys@fss.uu.nl
Summary
This case study shows that mental flexibility, not all executive functions, is key for spontaneous confabulation after thalamic infarction. Recovery of confabulation was linked to improved mental flexibility, despite persistent memory deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neurology
Background:
- Spontaneous confabulation is linked to amnesia and executive dysfunction.
- The precise role of executive functioning in confabulation remains debated due to conflicting findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track the recovery of a patient with amnesic-confabulatory syndrome and executive dysfunction post-bithalamic infarction.
- To investigate the relationship between executive functions and confabulation recovery.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and detailed cognitive/behavioral testing.
- Evaluations were performed within the first week and at 6 months post-stroke.
Main Results:
- Bithalamic infarction affected dorsomedial and intralaminar thalamic nuclei.
- Confabulation resolved, coinciding with improved mental flexibility.
- Other executive functions and long-term memory remained impaired at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Mental flexibility, not general executive functioning, appears necessary for spontaneous confabulation.
- Functional deactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may be implicated in confabulation development.