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Published on: May 24, 2020
Brain structures associated with executive functions during everyday events in a non-clinical sample
Hikaru Takeuchi1, Yasuyuki Taki, Yuko Sassa
1Smart Ageing International Research Center, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. takehi@idac.tohoku.ac.jp
Executive functions during everyday events (EFEEs) rely on specific brain structures. Better EFEEs in healthy adults are linked to distinct gray and white matter volumes in the orbitofrontal cortex and temporal regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Executive functions (EFs) are critical control processes for goal-directed behavior.
- Executive functions during everyday events (EFEEs) are distinct from laboratory measures and crucial for daily functioning.
- Understanding the neuroanatomical basis of EFEEs is vital, yet understudied in non-clinical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical correlates of enhanced executive functions during everyday events (EFEEs) in a non-clinical sample.
- To identify regional gray matter volume (rGMV) and regional white matter volume (rWMV) associated with better EFEEs.
Main Methods:
- Employed voxel-based morphometry to assess rGMV and rWMV.
- Utilized diffusion tensor imaging to measure fractional anisotropy.
- Administered the Dysexecutive Questionnaire to 303 healthy young adults (168 males, 135 females).
Main Results:
- Better EFEEs correlated with smaller rGMV in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), including Brodmann areas (BA) 25, 11, and 12.
- Enhanced EFEEs were associated with larger rWMV in the OFC adjacent to BA 11.
- Positive associations were found between EFEEs and rWMV in temporal areas, specifically the inferior longitudinal and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi.
Conclusions:
- The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a significant role in maintaining effective EFEEs.
- White matter tracts, including the inferior longitudinal and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi, are important for EFEEs.
- Brain structures within the OFC and connected regions contribute to executive functions in everyday life for non-clinical individuals.
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