Inter-hemispheric connectivity in the fusiform gyrus supports memory consolidation for faces

Abstract

In this study we investigated how changes of functional connectivity over time accompanies consolidation of face memories. Based on previous research we hypothesised that particularly connectivity changes in networks initially active during face perception and face encoding would be associated with individual recognition memory performance. Resting-state functional connectivity was examined shortly before, shortly after and about forty minutes after incidental learning of faces. Memory performance was assessed in a surprise recognition test shortly after the last resting-state session. Results reveal that memory performance related connectivity between the left fusiform face area and other brain areas gradually changed over the course of the experiment. Specifically, the increase in connectivity with the contralateral fusiform gyrus, the hippocampus, the amygdala and the inferior frontal gyrus correlated with recognition memory performance. Since especially the increase in connectivity in the two final resting-state sessions was associated with memory performance the present results demonstrate that memory formation is not restricted to the incidental learning phase but continues and increases in the following forty minutes. We discuss that particularly the delayed increase in inter-hemisphere connectivity between the left and right fusiform gyrus is an indicator for memory formation and consolidation processes.

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