Brain Activity and Belief

Functional MRI shows that we use different brain regions to judge whether statements are true, false, or open to doubt.

Researchers are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the areas of the brain that are involved in various activities of the mind. A team from UCLA studied 14 subjects without neurologic or psychiatric disorders. While in the scanner, the subjects were presented with statements and asked to express one of three reactions: belief, disbelief, or uncertainty. The statements came from various categories: mathematics, geography, semantics, common facts, autobiographical information, ethics, or religion.

Using stringent criteria for defining a positive result, the investigators found that states of belief, disbelief, or uncertainty were associated with increased metabolic activity in specific regions of the prefrontal and p…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate