Large-Scale Brain Network Dynamics Supporting Adolescent Cognitive Control

Abstract

Adolescence is a time when the ability to engage cognitive control is linked to crucial life outcomes. Despite a historical focus on prefrontal cortex functioning, recent evidence suggests that differences between individuals may relate to interactions between distributed brain regions that collectively form a cognitive control network (CCN). Other research points to a spatially distinct and functionally antagonistic system-the default-mode network (DMN)-which typically deactivates during performance of control tasks. This literature implies that individual differences in cognitive control are determined either by activation or functional connectivity of CCN regions, deactivation or functional connectivity of DMN regions, or some combination of both. We tested between these possibilities using a multilevel fMRI characterization of CCN and DMN dynamics, measured during performance of a cognitive control task and during a task-free resting state, in 73 human adolescents. Better cognitive control performance was associated with (1) reduced activation of CCN regions, but not deactivation of the DMN; (2) variations in task-related, but not resting-state, functional connectivity within a distributed network involving both the CCN and DMN; (3) functional segregation of core elements of these two systems; and (4) task-dependent functional integration of a set of peripheral nodes into either one network or the other in response to prevailing stimulus conditions. These results indicate that individual differences in adolescent cognitive control are not solely attributable to the functioning of any single region or network, but are instead dependent on a dynamic and context-dependent interplay between the CCN and DMN.

Characterisation of Functional Brain Networks underlying Cognitive Reasoning and Intelligence

“…Our findings go beyond these observations by suggesting that the striatum and the thalamus are key relays for facilitating enhancement of task-related processes, as well as suppression of task-unrelated processes. This hypothesis is consistent with recent evidence that the caudate and thalamus are transitional nodes that change their coupling with control and default-mode networks as a function of task demands (Dwyer et al, 2014). Although the PPI method does not allow an unequivocal assessment of causal interactions between distinct neural populations, our results suggest that deactivation of specific default-mode regions may drive the initiation of fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular activity via the basal ganglia (Table 3-2).…”

“…Recent evidence from functional neuroimaging studies suggests that cognitive processes such as reasoning, attention and memory recall are supported by complex reconfigurations in the patterns of cooperation and competition between widespread resting-state networks (Cocchi et al, 2013;Dwyer et al, 2014;Leech et al, 2012;Leech et al, 2011). Such changes in neural network dynamics preserve the general functional network architecture of the brain (Cole et al, 2014), appear taskspecific (Cocchi et al, 2014;Cole et al, 2013;Sridharan et al, 2008), and may include cooperation between regions and networks that are otherwise functionally segregated in the resting-state (Bluhm et al, 2011;Dwyer et al, 2014;Fornito et al, 2012;Leech et al, 2011;Liang et al, 2015;Popa et al, 2009).…”

“…Such changes in neural network dynamics preserve the general functional network architecture of the brain (Cole et al, 2014), appear taskspecific (Cocchi et al, 2014;Cole et al, 2013;Sridharan et al, 2008), and may include cooperation between regions and networks that are otherwise functionally segregated in the resting-state (Bluhm et al, 2011;Dwyer et al, 2014;Fornito et al, 2012;Leech et al, 2011;Liang et al, 2015;Popa et al, 2009). This research suggests that cognitive task performance does not necessarily require antagonism between default-mode and control networks Sonuga-Barke and Castellanos, 2007).…”

Executive dysfunction and low academic attainment in adolescent substance abusers with a history of maltreatment

“…22 It is interesting to note that if we compare the results of this study with a previous investigation of our group carried out in adults, 4 maltreated adolescent substance users seem to be more impaired in comparison to adult addicts. For example, the FAB Sensitivity to Interference subtest was not able to detect neurocognitive alterations in the sample of adults of our previous study, 4 but here this subtest detected impairments in maltreated adolescent substance users.…”

Complex Brain Network Analysis and Its Applications to Brain Disorders: A Survey

“…For example, some researchers have mapped activation patterns in a specific task and defined activation regions as the nodes of brain networks of interest according to these mappings [60]. Meanwhile, some researchers have applied metaanalysis methods to identify important brain regions as the nodes of brain networks of interest [61].…”