Retrieval of high-fidelity memory arises from distributed cortical networks

• Published in: NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 149; pp. 178 - 189
• Main Authors: Wais, Peter E., Jahanikia, Sahar, Steiner, Daniel, Stark, Craig E.L., Gazzaley, Adam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2017; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Brain - physiology; Brain Mapping - methods; Cognitive ability; Cognitive control; Cortex; Distributed memory; Episodic retrieval; Female; fMRI; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Functional networks; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Memory; Memory, Episodic; Mnemonic discrimination; Neural Pathways - physiology; Rodents; Structure-function relationships; Substantia alba; Temporal lobe; Trends; Young Adult; fMRI; Mnemonic discrimination; Cognitive control; Episodic retrieval; Functional networks
• ISSN: 1053-8119; 1095-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.01.062

Medial temporal lobe (MTL) function is well established as necessary for memory of facts and events. It is likely that lateral cortical regions critically guide cognitive control processes to tune in high-fidelity details that are most relevant for memory retrieval. Here, convergent results from functional and structural MRI show that retrieval of detailed episodic memory arises from lateral cortical—MTL networks, including regions of inferior frontal and angular gyrii. Results also suggest that recognition of items based on low-fidelity, generalized information, rather than memory arising from retrieval of relevant episodic details, is not associated with functional connectivity between MTL and lateral cortical regions. Additionally, individual differences in microstructural properties in white matter pathways, associated with distributed MTL-cortical networks, are positively correlated with better performance on a mnemonic discrimination task. [Display omitted] •Discrimination-based retrieval is associated with MTL-cortical functional networks.•Discrimination-based retrieval varies with differences in WM microstructure.•MTL-cortical connectivity supports discrimination, not generalization, underlying LTM.