Neural correlates of reward-based spatial learning in persons with cocaine dependence.

ABSTRACT: Dysfunctional learning systems are thought to be central to the pathogenesis of and impair recovery from addictions. The functioning of the brain circuits for episodic memory or learning that support goal-directed behavior has not been studied previously in persons with cocaine dependence (CD). Thirteen abstinent CD and 13 healthy participants underwent MRI scanning while performing a task that requires the use of spatial cues to navigate a virtual-reality environment and find monetary rewards, allowing the functional assessment of the brain systems for spatial learning, a form of episodic memory. Whereas both groups performed similarly on the reward-based spatial learning task, we identified disturbances in brain regions involved in learning and reward in CD participants. In particular, C

SUBMITTER: Tau GZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3895231 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature