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Prefrontal cortex activation during story encoding/retrieval: a multi-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Sara Basso Moro1, Simone Cutini2, Maria Laura Ursini1
1Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila, Italy.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|January 16, 2014
Summary
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) monitored brain activity during memory encoding and retrieval. The study found distinct prefrontal cortex activation patterns for each process, suggesting fNIRS as a tool for cognitive disorder assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Memory involves encoding, storage, and retrieval.
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures brain hemodynamics non-invasively.
- Prefrontal cortex (PFC) involvement in memory is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PFC hemodynamic responses during memory encoding and retrieval using fNIRS.
- To explore potential neural dissociation between encoding and retrieval processes.
- To assess fNIRS as a clinical tool for cognitive function assessment.
Main Methods:
- A 16-channel fNIRS system monitored hemodynamic responses.
- 13 healthy subjects performed the Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory Test (LMT).
- Oxygenated-hemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxygenated-hemoglobin (HHb) changes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneous hemodynamic responses were observed during encoding and retrieval.
- Encoding showed a prominent O2Hb increment in ventrolateral PFC (VLPFC).
- Retrieval involved broader PFC activation, including dorsolateral PFC and frontopolar cortex.
Conclusions:
- Distinct PFC activation patterns differentiate memory encoding and retrieval.
- fNIRS is applicable for hemodynamic monitoring during memory tasks.
- fNIRS shows potential as a clinical diagnostic tool for cognitive disorders.
