Researchers at the University of California, Riverside mapped a brain circuit that helps the mind abandon old strategies and adopt new ones. Cognitive flexibility means changing rules or plans when situations change. Problems with this ability appear in disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study looked at a small brainstem area called the locus coeruleus (LC). The LC makes norepinephrine, a chemical linked to attention and arousal. The team trained mice on a task where the rule switched from one sensory cue to another and recorded activity in the prefrontal cortex with tiny microscopes.
When researchers reduced LC activity, mice kept using old strategies and took longer to learn the new rule. The prefrontal network became noisier and less selective. The findings may help explain cognitive problems in aging and point to targets for therapies.
Difficult words
- cognitive flexibility — Ability to change rules or plans
- locus coeruleus — Small brainstem area with nerve cells
- norepinephrine — Chemical in brain linked to attention
- prefrontal cortex — Front part of brain for thinking
- arousal — State of alertness or mental energy
- selective — Careful or choosing one thing over others
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Can you think of a time you had to change a plan when things changed? What did you do?
- Why is it important for people to be able to change rules or plans?
- How could learning about the brain help people with attention or memory problems?
Related articles
Brain differences in WTC responders with PTSD
New imaging research of World Trade Center responders finds measurable brain structure differences linked to long-term PTSD. Researchers used gray-white contrast (GWC) MRI and other markers to distinguish responders with and without PTSD.
High-fat diet lets gut bacteria reach mouse brains
Emory University researchers found that a short high-fat diet can let live gut bacteria travel to the brain in mice. The bacteria moved along the vagus nerve; returning to a normal diet reduced this effect and researchers call for more study.
New PET study links brain markers in Parkinson’s disease
Researchers used PET scans to compare two brain markers — dopamine transporters and synaptic density — in people with Parkinson’s and healthy volunteers. The study shows the usual link between markers breaks down in Parkinson’s.