The fronto‐insular cortex causally mediates the default‐mode and central‐executive networks to contribute to individual cognitive performance in healthy elderly

Abstract

The triple network model that consists of the default-mode network (DMN), central-executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN) has been suggested as a powerful paradigm for investigation of network mechanisms underlying various cognitive functions and brain disorders. A crucial hypothesis in this model is that the fronto-insular cortex (FIC) in the SN plays centrally in mediating interactions between the networks. Using a machine learning approach based on independent component analysis and Bayesian network (BN), this study characterizes the directed connectivity architecture of the triple network and examines the role of FIC in connectivity of the model. Data-driven exploration shows that the FIC initiates influential connections to all other regions to globally control the functional dynamics of the triple network. Moreover, stronger BN connectivity between the FIC and regions of the DMN and the CEN, as well as the increased outflow connections from the FIC are found to predict individual performance in memory and executive tasks. In addition, the posterior cingulate cortex in the DMN was also confirmed as an inflow hub that integrates information converging from other areas. Collectively, the results highlight the central role of FIC in mediating the activity of large-scale networks, which is crucial for individual cognitive function.

Gray-matter structure in long-term abstinent methamphetamine users

“…Specifically, it is involved in error detection [30], cognitive mediation [31], and the integration of environmental, internal, and social information to regulate behaviors [32]. Connecting by fronto-insula tracts [33], fronto-insula cortex also plays a critical role in mediating interactions between central-executive and default-mode networks [34]. Disruption to this circuitry could impair the ability to properly weigh risk versus reward for behavior and could explain their propensity to have more errors and poorer task monitoring on neuropsychological testing and disrupted cognitive control [35] and thus impairs decisionmaking that is guided by subjective responses to somatic and external cues [36].…”

Extrinsic and default mode networks in psychiatric conditions: Relationship to excitatory-inhibitory transmitter balance and early trauma

“…Moreover, activity in some functional networks is believed to be anti-correlated, meaning that as activity in one network increases in response to a particular behavioural demand, activity in another network may be down-regulated (Fox, et al 2005). Functional networks in humans include, but are not limited to, the cingulo-opercular network, fronto-parietal network or dorsal attentional network, ventral attentional network, default mode network, sensorimotor, visual and auditory networks (Sylvester, et al 2012;Li, et al 2018;Mills, et al 2018;Mitra and Raichle 2018). In this review we will focus largely on activity and interactions between two functional networks.…”

Associations Between Altered Cerebral Activity Patterns and Psychosocial Disorders in Patients With Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Mediation Analysis of fMRI

“…To some degree, the current results appeared to be able to deduce the viewpoint that patients with pED had aberrant connectivity patterns between CEN and DMN. There are complex connectivity and mutual interactions between CEN and DMN (91). The DMN is responsible for the processing of endogenous or self-referential mental activity, and the CEN participates in the processing of exogenous or cognitively demanding mental activity (92).…”