Default Mode Network Engagement Beyond Self-Referential Internal Mentation.

Abstract

The default mode network (DMN) is typically associated with off-task internal mentation, or with goal-oriented tasks that require self-referential processing such as autobiographical planning. However, recent reports suggest a broader involvement of the DMN in higher cognitive processing. In line with this view, we report global connectivity changes centred on the main DMN hubs of precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex during an fMRI-based visuospatial version of the Tower of London planning task. Importantly, functional connectivity of these regions and the left caudate shows a significant relationship with faster reaction time to correct responses only during the high-demand planning condition, thus offering further evidence for the DMN's engagement during visuospatial planning. The results of this study not only provide robust evidence against the widely held notion of DMN disengagement during goal-oriented, attention-demanding, externally-directed tasks, but also support its involvement in a broader cognitive context with a memory-related role that extends beyond self-referential, internally-directed mentation.