Abstract
Conceptual knowledge provides the basis on which we bring meaning to our world. Studies of semantic dementia patients and some functional neuroimaging studies indicate that the anterior temporal lobes, bilaterally, are the core neural substrate for the formation of semantic representations. This hypothesis remains controversial, however, as traditional neurological models of comprehension do not posit a role for these regions. To adjudicate on this debate, we conducted 2 novel experiments that used off-line, low-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt neural processing temporarily in the left or right temporal poles (TPs). The time required to make semantic decisions was slowed considerably, yet specifically, by this procedure. The results confirm that both TPs form a critical substrate within the neural network that supports conceptual knowledge.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 832-838 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Cerebral Cortex |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2009 |
Keywords
- anterior temporal lobes
- rTMS
- semantic dementia
- semantic memory
- TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION
- INFERIOR PREFRONTAL CORTEX
- SEMANTIC DEMENTIA
- ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE
- LOBE LESIONS
- NEURAL BASIS
- MEMORY
- IMPAIRMENT
- BRAIN
- REPRESENTATION