Michael I. Posner, Mary K. Rothbart, and Pascale Voelker
University of Oregon
Abstract
Purpose of Review—Attention is a primary cognitive function critical for perception, language,
and memory. We provide an update on brain networks related to attention, their development,
training and pathologies.
Recent Findings—An executive attention network, also called the cingulo-opercular network,
allows voluntary control of behavior in accordance with goals. Individual differences among
children in self regulation have been measured by a higher order factor called effortful control
(EC) which is related to executive network and to the size of the anterior cingulate cortex.
Summary—Brain networks of attention arise in infancy and are related to individual differences
including pathology during childhood. Methods of training attention may improve performance
and ameliorate pathology.
Introduction
In this review we discuss recent studies providing new information about brain networks
related to attention. This includes studies of how the brain changes as attention networks
develop in infancy and childhood. We then consider implications of the development of
attention for some forms of pathology. Finally, we discuss whether and how brain networks
related to attention can be changed by training.
Published in final edited form as:
Curr Opin Pediatr. 2016 December ; 28(6): 720–724. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000413.
Real full article: Developing Brain Networks of Attention
