Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Neural basis of autobiographical memory retrieval in schizophrenia
Christine Cuervo-Lombard1, Cédric Lemogne, Fabien Gierski
1Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims and LCPI Laboratory, Toulouse 2 Le Mirail University, Department of Psychology, Toulouse, France.
Background:
Autobiographical memory retrieval is impaired in schizophrenia.
Aims:
To determine the neural basis of this impairment.
Method:
Thirteen patients with schizophrenia and 14 healthy controls performed an autobiographical memory retrieval task based on cue words during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were selected on the basis of their ability to perform the task and all participants received training.
Results:
Although patients and controls activated a similar brain network during autobiographical memory retrieval, patients displayed decreased activation in several of these regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, left lateral prefrontal cortex, right cerebellum and ventral tegmental area (k≥10, P<0.001, uncorrected). In addition, activation of the caudate nuclei was negatively correlated with retrieval performance in controls but positively correlated with performance in patients.
Conclusions:
The autobiographical memory retrieval brain network is impaired in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia display decreased activation of the cognitive control network during retrieval, possibly due to aberrant functioning of the dorsal striatum.
More Related Videos
05:14Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
09:00Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Published on: April 15, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Autobiographical Memory
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Storage
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Explicit Memories
Episodic memory contains information about personally experienced events and is reported as a story. An example of episodic memory is recalling a birthday celebration. This type of memory includes the what, where, and when of an event, as...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...