People
with
aphantasia
exhibit
the
inability
to
voluntarily
generate
or
form
mental
imagery
in
their
minds.
Since
term
“aphantasia”
was
proposed
describe
this,
it
has
gained
increasing
attention
from
psychiatrists,
neuroscientists,
and
clinicians.
Previous
studies
have
mainly
focused
on
definition,
prevalence,
measurement
of
aphantasia,
its
impacts
individuals’
cognitive
emotional
processing,
theoretical
frameworks
synthesizing
existing
findings,
which
contributed
greatly
our
understanding
aphantasia.
However,
there
are
still
some
debates
regarding
conclusions
derived
research
theories
that
were
constructed
various
sources
evidence.
Building
upon
endeavors,
this
systematic
review
emphasizes
future
is
much
needed
refine
definition
diagnosis
strengthen
empirical
investigations
at
behavioral
neural
levels,
and,
more
importantly,
develop
update
theories.
These
multiple
lines
efforts
could
lead
a
deeper
further
guide
researchers
directions.
Scientific Reports,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
15(1)
Опубликована: Май 24, 2025
Abstract
The
ability
of
the
human
brain
to
encode
and
recognize
sequential
information
from
different
sensory
modalities
is
key
memory
formation.
sequence
in
which
these
are
presented
during
encoding
critically
affects
recognition.
This
study
investigates
modality
sequences
its
neural
impact
on
recognition
using
multivariate
pattern
analysis
(MVPA)
oscillatory
EEG
activity.
We
examined
reinstatement
multisensory
episode-specific
n
=
32
participants
who
encoded
sound-image
associations
(e.g.,
image
a
ship
with
sound
frog).
Images
sounds
were
natural
scenes
2-second
real-life
sounds,
sequentially
encoding.
During
recognition,
stimulus
pairs
simultaneously,
classification
was
used
test
whether
order
could
be
decoded
as
contextual
feature
memory.
Oscillatory
results
identified
distinct
signature
successful
retrieval,
associated
original
sequence.
Furthermore,
MVPA
successfully
patterns
sequences,
hinting
at
specific
traces.
These
findings
suggest
that
forms
signature,
affecting
later
provides
novel
insights
into
relationship
between
broad
implications
for
cognitive
neuroscience
research.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Март 5, 2024
Abstract
Vividness
of
visual
imagery
is
subject
to
individual
variability,
a
phenomenon
with
largely
unexplored
neurobiological
underpinnings.
By
analyzing
data
from
273
participants
we
explored
the
link
between
structural-functional
organization
brain
connectomes
and
reported
intensity
(measured
VVIQ-2).
Employing
graph
theory
analyses
investigated
both
structural
(DTI)
functional
(rs-fMRI)
within
network
regions
often
implicated
in
imagery.
Our
results
indicate
relationship
increased
local
efficiency
clustering
coefficients
connectome
individuals
who
experience
more
vivid
Increased
were
mirrored
increases
left
inferior
temporal
regions,
region
frequently
identified
as
critical
hub
literature.
Furthermore,
found
have
lower
levels
global
their
connectome.
We
propose
that
clarity
are
optimized
by
characterized
heightened
localized
information
transfer
interconnectedness.
Conversely,
an
excessively
globally
integrated
might
dilute
specific
neural
activity
crucial
for
generating
images,
leading
less
locally
concentrated
resource
allocation
key
involved
vividness.
Adam
Zeman’s
recent
review
provides
a
thorough
exploration
of
mental
imagery
extremes
and
their
far-reaching
implications.
The
article
contrasts
the
lack
subjective
experience
found
in
aphantasia
with
heightened
vividness
hyperphantasia.
This
discussion
is
extremely
important
for
understanding
diversity
human
thought
from
basic
perspective
high-level
cognitive
processes.
To
facilitate
this
conversation,
we
propose
refined
definitions
that
distinguish
aspects
experiences
measurable
performance.
By
addressing
concern,
both
piece
across
broader
field,
encourage
clearer
imagery’s
complexity
emphasize
need
robust,
multifaceted
metrics
separate
experiential
dimensions
empirical.
We
hope
will
investigations
neural,
behavioral,
psychophysiological
mechanisms
underlying
extremes.
