NM0004 - Dorsal Attention Network

Dorsal Attention Network

The Dorsal Attention Network (DAN) is a brain network responsible for goal-directed attention and sensory information selection. Alterations in DAN function and connectivity in ADHD contribute to attentional difficulties and increased distractibility.

Discussion

The DAN includes regions such as the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the frontal eye fields (FEF), which are critical for top-down control of attention. These regions activate during tasks requiring focused attention and help individuals filter relevant stimuli while ignoring distractions.[1]

In ADHD, reduced connectivity within the DAN is commonly observed, correlating with the severity of attention problems. This reduced connectivity suggests that impairments in the DAN may underlie the attentional deficits characteristic of ADHD.[2]

Additionally, interactions between the DAN and other networks, such as the Default Mode Network (DMN), are often disrupted in ADHD. Effective attentional control relies on balancing activity between task-positive networks like the DAN and task-negative networks like the DMN. Disruption in this balance leads to challenges in maintaining focus on tasks.[3]

Research into the DAN's role in ADHD offers promising pathways for intervention. Enhancing the function and connectivity of the DAN through targeted therapies or behavioral strategies could improve attentional control and reduce ADHD symptoms.

Metadata

Sources

  1. Dorsal Attention Network - Wikipedia ↩︎

  2. Brain Networks and Connectivity in ADHD - ADxS.org ↩︎

  3. ADHD and Attentional Control: Impaired Segregation of Task-Positive and Task-Negative Networks - MIT Press ↩︎