PARIS, France – Researchers at the Paris Brain Institute have made significant strides in understanding the brain’s mechanisms of attention through the use of depth electrodes in epilepsy patients. By studying exogenous attention, the involuntary shift of focus triggered by external stimuli, researchers were able to capture neural activity across 1,400 brain regions. This approach revealed a continuum of cortical networks involved in the development of attention from visual processing to action response.
The study highlighted three sequentially activated networks and explored the phenomenon of “inhibition of return,” a natural filter for familiar visuals. This groundbreaking research offers insights into the brain’s attention mechanisms and provides potential pathways for improving treatments for individuals affected by attentional deficits.
Exogenous attention, the cognitive process that allows a salient visual stimulus to capture our focus, is automatic. This phenomenon impacts our ability to stay focused in a world full of distractions from notifications, ads, and news. The brain mechanisms behind exogenous attention are still poorly understood, making research in this area crucial for advancing our understanding of cognitive processes.
To track how the brain constructs spatial attention, researchers needed to record the electrical activity of neurons throughout the cortex in great detail. Depth electrodes placed in epilepsy patients provided a unique opportunity to observe neural activity during attention tests in unprecedented detail. This approach allowed researchers to identify three cortical networks that were successively activated when participants’ attention was captured by visual stimuli.
By analyzing activity from 1,403 intracortical contacts implanted in 28 individuals, researchers mapped out a gradient of neural clusters in the cortex that corresponded to the hierarchy of attentional events. This study challenges existing models of attention and suggests that frontoparietal networks play a crucial role in driving attention phenomena such as inhibition of return.
Understanding the neural correlates of attention not only sheds light on how the brain processes information but also has implications for treating attentional impairments in patients, such as stroke survivors. By delving into the intricate mechanisms of attention, researchers are paving the way for more effective treatments and interventions for individuals with attention deficits.
Overall, the research conducted at the Paris Brain Institute highlights the importance of studying attention dynamics and provides valuable insights into the neural basis of attentional filters. By leveraging advanced techniques and innovative approaches, researchers are uncovering new avenues for improving our understanding of cognitive processes and developing targeted interventions for individuals with attention-related challenges.