Chemistry of the adaptive mind
The human brain faces a variety of computational tradeoffs, such as the flexibility/stability tradeoff. I will argue that the major ascending neuromodulatory systems originating from the midbrain are well suited to dynamically regulate these computational tradeoffs depending on our constantly changing task demands. This working hypothesis follows from a number of general principles of chemical neuromodulation, which I will illustrate by reviewing evidence from recent pharmacological PET/fMRI studies on (cost/benefit decision making about) cognitive control. These studies also begin to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the huge variability in catecholaminergic drug effects across different individuals and behaviours.
Date: 3 July 2019, 12:30 (Wednesday, 10th week, Trinity 2019)
Venue: Department of Psychiatry, Headington OX3 7JX
Venue Details: Seminar Room
Speaker: Roshan Cools (Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour)
Organising department: Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
Part of: WIN Wednesdays Seminar Series
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Nancy Rawlings