The role of the salience network in cognitive and affective deficits

Abstract

Analysis and interpretation of studies on cognitive and affective dysregulation often draw upon the network paradigm, especially the Triple Network Model, which consists of the default mode network (DMN), the frontoparietal network (FPN), and the salience network (SN). DMN activity is primarily dominant during cognitive leisure and self-monitoring processes. The FPN peaks during task involvement and cognitive exertion. Meanwhile, the SN serves as a dynamic “switch” between the DMN and FPN, in line with salience and cognitive demand. In the cognitive and affective domains, dysfunctions involving SN activity are connected to a broad spectrum of deficits and maladaptive behavioral patterns in a variety of clinical disorders, such as depression, insomnia, narcissism, PTSD (in the case of SN hyperactivity), chronic pain, and anxiety, high degrees of neuroticism, schizophrenia, epilepsy, autism, and neurodegenerative illnesses, bipolar disorder (in the case of SN hypoactivity). We discuss behavioral and neurological data from various research domains and present an integrated perspective indicating that these conditions can be associated with a widespread disruption in predictive coding at multiple hierarchical levels. We delineate the fundamental ideas of the brain network paradigm and contrast them with the conventional modular method in the first section of this article. Following this, we outline the interaction model of the key functional brain networks and highlight recent studies coupling SN-related dysfunctions with cognitive and affective impairments.

Specific alterations of resting‐state functional connectivity in the triple network related to comorbid anxiety in major depressive disorder

“…The ECN, on the other hand, shows a more outward-directed and stimulus-driven set of tasks, being involved in decision-making and cognitive control (Li et al, 2021;Manoliu et al, 2013). Within the triple network model, alterations in the RSFC between these two networks and the VAN as a switch between them are thought to impair the engagement of the ECN and the disengagement of the DMN (Menon & Uddin, 2010), leading to maladaptive rumination and impaired cognitive abilities (Schimmelpfennig et al, 2023).…”

Contributions of Biobehavioral Sciences to the Study and Prevention of Firearm Violence: Perceived Threat, Cognitive Control, and Firearm Culture

“…Activation of the salience network can lead to the downregulation of cognitive control networks (Joëls & Baram, 2009). In such a state, immediate cues of reward and punishment are most salient, decreasing the likelihood of reasoned action and consideration of long-term consequences (e.g., Schimmelpfennig et al, 2023). From an evolutionary perspective, prioritizing processes that promote harm avoidance (e.g., heightened vigilance) at the expense of higher-order cognitive operations (e.g., inhibiting impulses, regulating emotions) would be adaptive so one can have enough resources to deal with immediate threats.…”

Neural Correlates of Different Randomization Tasks

“…In this task we expected the fluctuation between task-related and task-unrelated (mind-wandering) activity to be highest, which might be subserved by default mode network (DMN), i.e. posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex (Mittner et al, 2014), and mediating salience network activity, involving anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula activation (Schimmelpfennig et al, 2023). Lastly, during the mental simulation of a coin toss, we predicted increased posterior parietal activation, particularly in the precuneus (Cavanna & Trimble, 2006), reflecting potential involvement in visual imagery.…”