Lesion network mapping demonstrates that mind-wandering is associated with the default mode network.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuropsychology

Background:

• Functional neuroimaging links the default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN) to mind-wandering.
• Previous lesion studies show impaired mind-wandering after damage to DMN regions like the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
• Lesion network mapping has not yet been used to identify networks associated with mind-wandering deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that lesions within the DMN and FPN are associated with diminished mind-wandering.
• To apply lesion network mapping to identify specific brain networks linked to mind-wandering impairments.

Main Methods:

• Lesion network mapping was employed using resting-state functional connectivity data from healthy participants.
• Mind-wandering frequency was assessed using the Imaginal Processes Inventory (IPI).
• The study included participants with brain injury (n=29) and healthy controls (n=19).

Main Results:

• Lesion network mapping identified the left inferior parietal lobule within the DMN as most strongly associated with reduced mind-wandering.
• Traditional lesion symptom mapping revealed associations between reduced mind-wandering and lesions in DMN sectors of the mPFC, parietal lobule, and inferior frontal gyrus.
• These lesion locations were within the dorsal, ventral, and anterior sectors.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide novel lesion evidence supporting the critical role of the DMN in mind-wandering.
• This research contributes to understanding the neural basis of spontaneous cognitive processes.
• The study highlights the utility of lesion network mapping in investigating cognitive functions.