Unraveling the brain mechanisms of source monitoring with non-invasive brain stimulation: A systematic review

Abstract

Background/ObjectiveSource monitoring refers to the ability to determine the source of memories and encompasses three subprocesses: internal source monitoring, reality monitoring, and external source monitoring. Neuroimaging studies provide valuable insights about neural correlates of source monitoring, but the causal relationship between brain and behavior is lacking. This study aimed to identify brain circuits involved in source monitoring by synthesizing the effects of brain stimulation on source monitoring as a function of the targeted brain regions or circuits. MethodWe conducted a systematic review of interventional studies that have examined the effects of brain stimulation on source monitoring across six databases. The principal outcome was the difference of source monitoring performance between active and control stimulation conditions. Results23 studies (920 healthy participants and 54 patients with schizophrenia) were included. Our findings revealed the involvement of i) the lateral prefrontal and temporoparietal cortices in internal source monitoring, ii) the medial prefrontal and temporoparietal cortices in reality monitoring, and iii) the precuneus and the left angular gyrus in external source monitoring. ConclusionsThese findings deepen our understanding of the brain mechanisms of source monitoring and highlight specific stimulation targets to alleviate source monitoring deficits.