Envisioning the future: An ALE meta-analysis on neural correlates of future thinking, prospective memory and delay discounting

Abstract

Our representations of the future are processed in the service of several different cognitive functions, including episodic future thinking, prospective memory, and temporal discounting. The present meta-analysis used the Activation Likelihood Estimation method to understand whether there is a core network underlying future-oriented cognition and to identify the specific brain regions that support future-related processes in each function. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 24, 19, and 27 neuroimaging studies were included for future thinking, prospective memory, and temporal discounting, respectively. Results showed that there is no specific region or network for the future. Instead, the 'future' seems to be represented on an anterior-posterior tangibility gradient, based on the level of abstractness/concreteness of the simulated scenario. Additionally, future-oriented cognition is mediated by two distinct networks: the Default Network and the Salience Network. The Default Network is mainly active in supporting future thinking, whereas the Salience Network is primarily involved in prospective memory and delay discounting.

Keywords: Activation likelihood estimation; Default Network; Delay discounting; Future thinking; Future-oriented cognition; Prediction; Predictive brain; Prospection; Prospective memory; Salience Network.