Exploring the interaction of reading and attention through connectivity with the frontal-eye-field.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Attentional processes are vital for reading comprehension.
• Dyslexia theories suggest attention network dysfunction contributes to reading deficits.
• The frontal-eye-field (FEF) is implicated in attention and theorized to play a role in reading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pinpoint an FEF region engaged in both reading and attention.
• To investigate the connectivity of this FEF region with reading and attention networks.
• To explore potential neural mechanisms underlying reading and attention interactions.

Main Methods:

• Revisiting prior hybrid reading and attention study data to analyze BOLD intensity in the FEF.
• Utilizing Human Connectome Project diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data.
• Examining the connectivity profile of the identified FEF region (FEF-A6vl).

Main Results:

• A significant reading × attention interaction was found in the ventrolateral portion of Brodmann's Area 6 (A6vl) within the FEF.
• High connectivity was observed between the FEF-A6vl and the basal ganglia.
• Tracts from the FEF-A6vl connected to the cerebellar Crus I/II and the superior parietal lobule.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the reading × attention interaction within the FEF-A6vl.
• Connectivity findings suggest FEF-A6vl involvement in syllabic processing, eye movements, semantics, attentional orienting, and phonetic decoding.
• These findings may inform the development of novel treatments for dyslexia.