Abstract
The brain is organized into a number of large networks based on shared function, for example, high-level cognitive functions (frontoparietal network), attentional capabilities (dorsal and ventral attention networks), and internal mentation (default network). The correlations of these networks during resting-state fMRI scans varies across individuals and is an indicator of individual differences in ability. Prior work shows higher cognitive functioning (as measured by working memory and attention tasks) is associated with stronger negative correlations between frontoparietal/attention and default networks, suggesting that increased ability may depend upon the diverging activation of networks with contrasting function. However, these prior studies lack specificity with regard to the higher-level cognitive functions involved, particularly with regards to separable components of executive function (EF). Here we decompose EF into three factors from the unity/diversity model of EFs: Common EF, Shifting-specific EF, and Updating-specific EF, measuring each via factor scores derived from a battery of behavioral tasks completed by 250 adult participants (age 28) at the time of a resting-state scan. We found the hypothesized segregated pattern only for Shifting-specific EF. Specifically, after accounting for one’s general EF ability (Common EF), individuals better able to fluidly switch between task sets have a stronger negative correlation between the ventral attention network and the default network. We also report non-predicted novel findings in that individuals with higher Shifting-specific abilities exhibited more positive connectivity between frontoparietal and visual networks, while those individuals with higher Common EF exhibited increased connectivity between sensory and default networks. Overall, these results reveal a new degree of specificity with regard to connectivity/EF relationships.
Highlights
Executive functions (EFs) are a set of higher-level cognitive abilities that contribute to the maintenance, implementation, and modification of goals (Banich, 2009; Friedman and Miyake, 2017)
Is hypo- or hyperconnectivity between lower-level sensory and higher-level cognitive networks related to individual differences in EFs? This question is motivated by prior resting-state work from our group in a younger and smaller sample in which we found Common EF and Shifting-specific ability was linked to the functional connectivity characteristics of lower-level sensory areas (Reineberg and Banich, 2016)
We investigated the associations between three EF components and coordination among large scale brain systems, with a particular focus on brain systems involved in higher-level cognition
Summary
Executive functions (EFs) are a set of higher-level cognitive abilities that contribute to the maintenance, implementation, and modification of goals (Banich, 2009; Friedman and Miyake, 2017). There is no evidence for an inhibition-specific factor, suggesting that individual differences in response inhibition are captured by Common EF (Friedman and Miyake, 2017) This framework captures both unity (Common EF) and diversity (Shifting-specific and Updating-specific) of EFs. prior work has focused on the correlation of specific regions of interest within the functional networks implicated in externally and internally directed attention, we utilize a whole-cortex network approach so as to not limit ourselves to specific, subjectively chosen functional regions of interest. Does high Common EF, Shifting-specific, or Updating-specific ability relate to hyperconnectivity (increased positive/decreased negative connectivity) between systems with complementary functions such as the frontoparietal and the dorsal/ventral attention networks or between the dorsal and ventral attention networks themselves?
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