Chunk #37 — 4. Discussion — 4.1. Altered Functional Connectivity in the Memory Group — 4.1.3. Hypoconnectivity across the Anterior Cingulate Hub Networks in the Memory Group
Specifically, the hypoconnected ACC–PFC subnetwork in the memory group may suggest compromised top-down cognitive control mediated by the PFC, such as that observed in individuals who are addicted to drugs [125]. On the other hand, reduced connectivity of the ACC with the LTC in the memory group may represent impaired semantic memory processing related to personally relevant action plans in these individuals, as the LTC is related to short-term verbal memory and language processes [126,127] as well as conceptual representations of actions and behaviors [128,129]. Furthermore, hypoconnectivity between the ACC and the IPL in the right hemisphere may indicate a lack of spatial and computational processing for the task at hand, as dictated by the role of the right IPL in spatial attention and mathematical cognition [130]. Taken together, these alterations in the brain network may underpin alcohol-induced memory deficits in individuals from the memory group, who also exhibit more health problems due to their chronic and/or hazardous alcohol consumption (see Section 4.2 below).
