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Thesis
The salience network and emotional memory across the adult lifespan
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Apr 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011089
Abstract
The brain is composed of several functional networks. One key network is the salience network (SN), which is involved in arousal-related experiences. Due to the SN's role in emotion and arousal, studies have examined this network's role in emotional memory, yet less is known about the SN connectivity patterns and emotional memory. The current study aims to replicate and extend prior findings regarding the SN and emotional memory by examining how 1) within-SN connectivity, 2) SN-default mode network (DMN) connectivity, and 3) SN-executive control network (ECN) connectivity is associated with emotional memory performance. It was hypothesized that stronger connectivity within-SN, SN-DMN, and SN-ECN would be associated with enhanced memory performance. To investigate these aims, data were obtained from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (CamCAN) dataset, where 294 participants completed an emotional memory task and resting-state fMRI. Resting-state fMRI data were preprocessed using the functional connectivity toolbox (CONN). To identify the SN, DMN, and ECN, predefined regions of interest (ROIs) were identified. For the SN, areas included bilateral anterior insula, bilateral orbitofrontal insula, and anterior cingulate cortex. For the DMN, areas included bilateral inferior parietal lobule, posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. For the ECN, areas included bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus. Bivariate correlations were conducted for seed-to-seed connections, which were transformed into Z-scores via Fisher transformation. To identify how network connectivity associated with emotional memory, correlations were conducted for each memory measure and each ROI-to-ROI pair. From those pairings that were statistically significant, a regression analysis was conducted. For within-SN and SN-DMN, stronger connectivity was associated with better memory performance. However, stronger SN-ECN connectivity was associated with weaker memory performance. These findings indicate that differences in functional connectivity for within-SN, and between SN-DMN and SN-ECN, are associated with emotional memory performance. These results extend prior research by demonstrating that the SN not only mediates arousal but also has a role in supporting emotional memory.
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Details
- Title
- The salience network and emotional memory across the adult lifespan
- Creators
- Michael Joseph DiCalogero
- Contributors
- Evangelia G. Chrysikou (Advisor)Maria Teresa Schultheis (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 51 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022058934704721