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Competitive neurocognitive processes following bereavement.
Vera Békés1, Kailey Roberts1, Dezső Németh2
1Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, USA.
Brain Research Bulletin
|May 12, 2023
Summary
Bereavement impacts cognition. A new neurocognitive model suggests grief disrupts the basal ganglia and medial temporal lobe balance, causing "brain fog" and cognitive changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Bereavement is a common experience with significant psychological, emotional, and cognitive effects.
- Existing grief theories lack a deep understanding of the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms.
- Cognitive difficulties, like 'brain fog,' are frequently reported during grief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel neurocognitive model for understanding typical grief phenomena.
- To link grief-related reactions to fundamental learning and executive functions.
- To elucidate the neural basis of cognitive changes experienced during bereavement.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling approach.
- Integration of existing knowledge on basal ganglia and medial temporal lobe functions.
- Conceptual analysis of grief-related cognitive experiences.
Main Results:
- A proposed neurocognitive model posits a competitive relationship between basal ganglia (BG) and medial temporal lobe (MTL) circuitry.
- This competition, driven by bereavement stress, leads to an imbalance in the usually flexible interaction between BG and MTL systems.
- Temporary dominance of either the BG or MTL system manifests as perceived cognitive changes, such as 'brain fog'.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model offers a neurocognitive framework for understanding common cognitive experiences in grief.
- Understanding the BG-MTL interaction in grief provides insights into the mechanisms of cognitive disruption.
- This neurocognitive perspective can inform strategies for supporting bereaved individuals.
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