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The retrosplenial cortex: A memory gateway between the cortical default mode network and the medial temporal lobe
Neda Kaboodvand1,2, Lars Bäckman1, Lars Nyberg2,3,4
1Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Human Brain Mapping
|January 25, 2018
Summary
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) acts as a key bridge between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and other brain regions in the default mode network (DMN). This connection is vital for supporting episodic memory (EM) in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The default mode network (DMN) comprises interconnected cortical and subcortical regions crucial for cognitive functions.
- Functional connectivity (FC) within the DMN, especially between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and medial-parietal subsystems, is linked to episodic memory (EM).
- Previous studies show inconsistent results regarding the relationship between posterior DMN-MTL FC and EM performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) as a potential intermediary in the DMN for facilitating information transfer between cortical and subcortical regions.
- To examine the association between MTL-cortical DMN FC and EM performance in older adults.
- To determine if RSC mediates the relationship between MTL-cortical DMN connectivity and EM.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in 180 healthy older adults (aged 64-68 years).
- Comprehensive assessment of episodic memory (EM) was conducted.
- Graph-theoretical analysis was applied to DMN nodes to assess betweenness centrality.
Main Results:
- Functional connectivity (FC) was greater between the MTL and RSC compared to MTL and other cortical DMN regions like the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
- Only MTL-RSC FC significantly correlated with EM performance.
- Mediational analysis revealed that RSC acts as a mediator, with its degree of mediation positively associated with EM performance.
Conclusions:
- The RSC serves as a critical gateway connecting the MTL and cortical DMN regions.
- The RSC's role as a mediator in MTL-cortical DMN connectivity is essential for supporting episodic memory in older adults.
- These findings highlight the importance of RSC-mediated connectivity for cognitive function in aging.
Keywords:
DMNagingbetweenness centralityepisodic memorymedial temporal lobemultilevel meditationretrosplenial cortexMore Related Videos
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