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Journal article
The default mode network: where spontaneous thought meets memory consolidation
Current opinion in behavioral sciences, v 67, 101622
Feb 2026
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) is a distributed set of brain regions engaged during wakeful rest. Spontaneous thoughts — internally directed mental experiences that arise with relative freedom and few constraints on their content or transitions — are ubiquitous during wakeful rest. Spontaneous memory reactivation — neural events in which recently learned information is reinstated — also occurs at rest and has a fundamental role in long-term memory consolidation. Here, we synthesize emerging behavioral, theoretical, and neurophysiological evidence suggesting that DMN activity associated with spontaneous thought provides a neural context that promotes the propagation of reactivated information to aid consolidation. We highlight findings linking spontaneous thought to improved memory performance, discuss how specific DMN subsystems coordinate with the hippocampus during reactivation, and highlight recent studies that connect spontaneous thought content to memory reactivations. We conclude by outlining future directions to clarify the mechanistic role of spontaneous thought in memory consolidation mediated by the complex interplay between the DMN, hippocampus, and broader cortical networks.
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Details
- Title
- The default mode network: where spontaneous thought meets memory consolidation
- Creators
- Devayani Joshi - Drexel UniversityAlexa Tompary - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)Aaron Kucyi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Publication Details
- Current opinion in behavioral sciences, v 67, 101622
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- National Institute of Mental Health R21MH127384 National Institute of Mental Health R21MH129630 National Institute of Mental Health R00MH126427
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001646117500001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105025108312
- Other Identifier
- 991022138981204721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Behavioral Sciences
- Neurosciences
- Psychology, Experimental