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Causal relationship between effective connectivity within the default mode network and mind-wandering regulation and
Shogo Kajimura1, Takanori Kochiyama2, Ryusuke Nakai3
1Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo 102-8471, Japan.
Neuroimage
|March 16, 2016
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce mind wandering by altering brain connectivity. This study reveals the neural mechanisms by which tDCS modulates self-generated thought patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mind wandering, a shift to self-generated thoughts, is linked to lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and default mode network (DMN) alterations.
- The precise neural mechanisms underlying tDCS modulation of mind wandering remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationships between tDCS, DMN connectivity changes, and mind-wandering propensity.
- To elucidate the neural mechanisms of tDCS in modulating mind wandering.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine tDCS effects.
- tDCS was applied with electrodes over the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and left LPFC.
- Mediation analysis explored the link between connectivity changes and mind-wandering modulation.
Main Results:
- Anodal tDCS on the right IPL (DMN core) reduced mind wandering compared to reversed stimulation.
- Right IPL tDCS decreased afferent connections to the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) from the right IPL and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
- Connectivity changes from the right IPL and mPFC correlated with mind-wandering inhibition and facilitation, respectively.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the neural mechanisms of tDCS in modulating mind-wandering propensity.
- Effective connectivity from the right IPL to the PCC inhibits mind wandering, while mPFC to PCC connectivity facilitates it.
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