Caudate Resting Connectivity Predicts Implicit Probabilistic Sequence Learning

Abstract

Implicit probabilistic sequence learning (IPSL) involves extracting statistical regularities from sequences of events without awareness, and is thought to underlie learning of language and behavioral repertoires of everyday life. We examined whether resting-state functional connectivity networks of the caudate predicted individual differences in IPSL performance measured on a separate day. Whole-brain connectivity maps of a bilateral dorsal caudate (DC) seed were created for each subject and examined for voxelwise correlations with sequence learning performance, as well as with overall response speed. Higher learning scores (but not overall response speed) were associated with stronger resting-state connectivity between the DC and right medial temporal lobe, as well as with lower resting-state connectivity between the DC and premotor regions involved in motor planning. Thus, how well one learns probabilistic regularities without awareness is predicted by the strength of a striatocortical network in the resting brain.

Financial literacy is associated with medial brain region functional connectivity in old age

“…It should be noted, however, that our post-hoc results do not speak to whether there is an effect of activity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex on the activity of the caudate, as activity and functional connectivity are conceptually and experimentally different properties. We further speculate that our observation of less connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and caudate structures when considering financial literacy may be linked in some way with the role of the basal ganglia in implicit learning (Stillman et al, 2013; Lieberman, 2000). It is feasible that basal-ganglia-mediated procedural knowledge may give way to higher-level explicit or declarative knowledge as financial literacy develops.…”

Task-related functional connectivity of the caudate mediates the association between trait mindfulness and implicit learning in older adults

“…A recent study of resting state functional connectivity further supports this idea in that it provides the first direct evidence that functional communication between the caudate and MTL is related to IPSL aptitude (Stillman et al, 2013). Resting state functional connectivity refers to the measurement of spontaneous neural activity in a task-free state, and so is thought to reveal the intrinsic architecture of the brain (Raichle, 2010).…”

“…The first aim is to replicate the negative relationship between dispositional mindfulness and IPSL reported in Stillman et al (2014). The second aim is to identify functional connections during the task related to individual differences in learning, thus extending the results reported in an earlier resting state study of the same type of learning (Stillman et al, 2013). Finally, a third aim is to assess whether either of the functional connections between learning systems discussed above (caudate-PFC or caudate-MTL) mediates the relationship between mindfulness and IPSL.…”

“…Based on the results of our previous behavioral study (Stillman et al, 2014), we predicted that there would be a negative relationship between mindfulness and IPSL. Based on the results of Stillman et al (2013) and the broader IPSL literature, we predicted that caudate-MTL connectivity would be positively correlated with learning, but that caudate-PFC connectivity might be negatively correlated with learning. Based on indirect evidence from the mindfulness literature, we predicted that caudate-PFC and caudate-MTL connectivity would be correlated with mindfulness.…”

Response Inhibition

“…This study suggests a specific role of the basal ganglia in stimulus-driven inhibition of movement. However, the IFC is not known to project to the dorsal caudate nucleus Stillman et al, 2013) and shows weak projection to the STN (Lambert et al, 2011, see next section). Also, how the pre-SMA and rIFC respond to stop signal probability is not described in the study.…”