Characterizing Central-Autonomic Dynamics During an Episodic Memory Task Using Multi-Modal Neural and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychophysiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Episodic memory function is crucial for mental and behavioral health.
• While central nervous system (CNS) roles in memory are known, CNS-autonomic nervous system (ANS) interplay remains understudied.
• Understanding CNS-ANS interactions is key to a holistic view of memory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate CNS-ANS network coupling during an episodic memory task (EMT).
• To analyze dynamic changes in neural and autonomic activity during memory encoding and retrieval.
• To bridge the gap in knowledge regarding the integrated functioning of the CNS and ANS in memory.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electroencephalogram (EEG) for CNS indices (alpha and theta power).
• Employed electrocardiogram (ECG) and seismocardiogram (SCG) for ANS indices (cardiac vagal index [CVI] and pre-ejection period [PEP]).
• Applied time delay stability and surrogate data analysis to assess network coupling (CVI-Neural and PEP-Neural).

Main Results:

• Network coupling coverage (CNS-ANS) significantly increased from Baseline to Encoding.
• Coverage decreased from Encoding to the first Retrieval phase.
• Coverage then increased again from the first to the second Retrieval phase.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to integrate EEG, ECG, and SCG data to examine CNS-ANS interactions during an EMT.
• Demonstrated parallel changes in CNS-parasympathetic and CNS-sympathetic network coverage during memory tasks.
• Suggests potential for CNS-ANS coupling measures as biomarkers for mental health screening in clinical populations.