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A role for the human amygdala in higher cognition
Alexandre Schaefer1, Jeremy R Gray
1University of Leeds, Institute of Psychological Sciences, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. a.schaefer@leeds.ac.uk
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|June 24, 2009
Summary
The human amygdala is crucial for cognitive functions like memory and attention, not just emotions. This review explores evidence integrating its cognitive and emotional roles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The amygdala is traditionally linked to emotional processing.
- Emerging evidence points to its involvement in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence of the human amygdala's role in higher cognitive functions.
- To integrate cognitive and emotional functions of the amygdala within a unified framework.
Main Methods:
- Review of representative experimental evidence.
- Analysis of studies on amygdala involvement in memory and attention.
Main Results:
- The human amygdala is implicated in long-term memory formation.
- Evidence supports amygdala engagement in working memory processes.
- The amygdala also plays a role in attentional control.
Conclusions:
- The amygdala's function extends beyond emotion to significant cognitive roles.
- A comprehensive framework can unify the amygdala's cognitive and emotional processing capabilities.
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