Endogenous preparatory control is associated with increased interaction between default mode and dorsal attention...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Cognitive Control Research

Background:

• Cognitive control involves large-scale brain networks, primarily in frontal and parietal regions.
• While individual network functions are known, cross-network interactions for cognitive control remain unclear.
• Cognitive control includes both immediate regulation and preparatory processes, often driven internally (endogenously).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain network interactions supporting endogenously driven preparatory cognitive control.
• To differentiate preparatory control from in-the-moment control mechanisms.
• To explore the role of the default mode network (DMN) in internally driven preparation.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in 25 participants during a perceptual decision task.
• A cued versus uncued trial paradigm manipulated the need for endogenous preparatory control.
• Analysis focused on intertrial periods preceding uncued (preparatory) versus cued trials.

Main Results:

• Behavioral data indicated higher cognitive control demands in the uncued condition.
• Endogenous preparatory control correlated with increased dorsal attention network (DAN) activity.
• Cross-network interactions, particularly between the default mode network (DMN) and DAN, were enhanced during endogenous preparation.

Conclusions:

• Cross-network interactions are crucial for endogenously driven preparatory cognitive control.
• The default mode network (DMN) may play a role in internally mobilizing resources for cognitive control.
• This suggests the DMN's function extends to preparing for cognitive tasks without external cues.