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Review
. 2025 Oct 18;25(1):70.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-025-01464-0.

Frontal Disorders and Consciousness: A Review

Joshua G Berenbaum  1   2 , Benjamin Morrison  3 , Brenna Hagan  3 , Kathy Y Xie  3 , Katherine W Turk  3   4 , Andrew E Budson  5   6
Affiliations
Review

Frontal Disorders and Consciousness: A Review

Joshua G Berenbaum et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The frontal cortex plays a key role in many functions considered to be relevant for consciousness. Furthermore, altered consciousness appears to exist in those with disorders that disrupt or damage frontal areas and/or networks. This article reviews recent research discussing the impact of frontal disorders on consciousness.

Recent findings: Many theories of consciousness have been developed over the last century to help explain the neural correlates of consciousness. Some theories argue that the frontal cortex is necessary for consciousness, while others argue that posterior cortical regions are critical for consciousness. The Memory Theory of Consciousness argues that consciousness requires modality-specific localization throughout the brain. We argue that frontal disorders do not abolish consciousness but they may disrupt conscious abilities such as sustained attention, working memory, problem-solving, complex thought, executive function, response inhibition, decision-making, and goal-oriented behavior. Understanding the role of the frontal cortex in consciousness has significant scientific, clinical, and societal implications.

Keywords: Consciousness; Dementia; Frontal disorders; Memory; Memory theory of consciousness; Prefrontal cortex.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Human and Animal Rights: All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines). Financial Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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