Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Is Necessary for Normal Associative Inference and Memory Integration.

摘要: The ability to flexibly combine existing knowledge in response novel circumstances is highly adaptive. However, the neural correlates of flexible associative inference are not well-characterized. Laboratory tests have measured memory for overlapping pairs studied items (e.g., AB, BC) and non-studied with common associates (i.e., AC). Findings from functional neuroimaging neuropsychology suggest ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) may be necessary inference. Here, we used a neuropsychological approach test necessity vmPFC successful memory-guided humans using an task. We predicted that individuals focal damage (N=5; 3F, 2M) would show impaired inferential but intact non-inferential memory. Performance was compared normal comparison participants (N=10; 6F, 4M). Participants visually-presented objects including (AB, non-overlapping (XY). later completed three-alternative forced-choice recognition task BC, XY) (AC). As predicted, group had significantly pairs. These results consistent perspective inference, indicating critical adaptive abilities require application circumstances. Additionally, associated unexpectedly reduced AB post-inference, which could potentially reflect retroactive interference. Together, these reinforce emerging understanding role brain networks supporting processes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT live constantly changing environment, so adapt our support new essential. One important — it allows us extract shared features distinct experiences relate them. For example, if see woman holding baby, man same then might infer two adults couple. Despite importance systems this known. report human disproportionately impairs Our findings integration.