Increased fMRI activity correlations in autobiographical memory versus resting states

Hum Brain Mapp. 2018 Nov;39(11):4312-4321. doi: 10.1002/hbm.24248. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Abstract

Autobiographical memory retrieval is associated with activity of a distributed network that is similar to the default-mode network (DMN) identified via activity correlations measured during rest. We tested whether activity correlations could be used to identify the autobiographical network during extended bouts of retrieval. Global-correlativity analysis identified regions with activity correlation differences between autobiographical-retrieval and resting states. Increased correlations were identified for retrieval versus resting states within a distributed network that included regions prototypical for autobiographical memory. This network segregated into two subnetworks comprised of regions related to memory versus cognitive control, suggesting greater functional segregation during autobiographical retrieval than rest. DMN regions were important drivers of these effects, with increased correlations between DMN and non-DMN regions and segregation of the DMN into distinct subnetworks during retrieval. Thus, the autobiographical network can be robustly identified via activity correlations and retrieval is associated with network functional organization distinct from rest.

Keywords: autobiographical memory; brain networks; default-mode network; fMRI connectivity; resting state.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Mental Recall / physiology
  • Neural Pathways / diagnostic imaging
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Rest
  • Young Adult