Correlation of the Anterior Salience Network with Attention: A Resting-state fMRI Analysis

Background: Some studies have broadened our understanding of attention while other studies have used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analyses to identify brain regions that are functionally connected and may be associated with salience processing. This thesis sought to examine the relationship between the anterior salience network and attentional control. The current study hypothesized that resting-state functional connectivity between regions of the anterior salience network would be associated with attentional control ability. Methods: Forty-eight college-aged students completed the affective Stroop task to assess attentional regulation ability. Accuracy on trials of the task was examined in correlation with resting-state functional connectivity values of seven regions of the anterior salience network. Results: Some correlations were identified between performance accuracy and the anterior salience network. Noteworthy, when attentional control was required (i.e., “incongruent” trials of the task), performance accuracy was positively correlated with functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as the anterior insula. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intrinsic functional connectivity in the anterior salience network might be able to indicate elements of attentional control. Advisor: Hideo Suzuki