Intrinsic functional connectivity in the default mode network predicts mnemonic discrimination: A connectome-based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Episodic memory relies on distinguishing past experiences from similar current perceptions.
• Mnemonic discrimination tasks assess this ability, typically focusing on hippocampal function.
• The default mode network (DMN), including the hippocampus, is implicated in episodic memory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between intrinsic default mode network (DMN) connectivity and mnemonic discrimination ability.
• To explore how DMN connectivity predicts performance on mnemonic similarity tasks across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) to link DMN functional connectivity to mnemonic discrimination.
• Analyzed resting-state functional connectivity data from healthy younger and older adults.
• Correlated DMN connectivity patterns with performance on a mnemonic similarity task.

Main Results:

• Intrinsic DMN connectivity significantly predicted mnemonic discrimination ability.
• Predictive associations were strongest in prefrontal, temporal, and hippocampal regions.
• The predictive relationship between DMN connectivity and mnemonic discrimination was more pronounced in younger adults, especially concerning temporal-prefrontal connections.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals novel associations between the intrinsic functional properties of the DMN and mnemonic discrimination.
• Broader cortical networks, including the hippocampus, are crucial for mnemonic discrimination.
• Age-related disruptions in DMN connectivity may impair mnemonic discrimination ability.