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Kusztor, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Kusztor, A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2025

Distinct cortical profiles underlie the common reportability of thought-free experiences

Mind blanking (MB) refers to moments of seemingly no reportable thought content, challenging the view of a constant thought-full mind. What remains unclear is which brain modes can lead to MB and why. Here, we aimed at delineating the nuances of MB by combining EEG-fMRI with experience-sampling of thought content and self-reported vigilance. Using a dynamic framework, we show that MB is linked to a "rich" fMRI connectivity pattern of regional anticorrelations, while low vigilance is linked to a "simple" pattern of overall positive connectivity. Put together, an interaction appears: when people are alert, connectivity around MB resembles the hyperconnected pattern, indicating that the neural correlates of MB depend on vigilance levels. This hyperconnected pattern further correlated with EEG slow-wave-like activity, tying MBs topology to sleep-like electrophysiology. We conclude that MBs neurophysiological correlates vary with vigilance, and a more refined characterisation of the neural correlates of thought-free states exists.

neuroscience↗
bioRxiv2025

Sleep-like Slow Waves During Wakefulness Mediate Attention and Vigilance Difficulties in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

BackgroundAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by behavioural variability and heightened inattention associated with increased mind wandering (MW) and mind blanking (MB). Individuals with ADHD frequently experience sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness, suggesting interactions between attention and arousal systems. Research examining brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) has demonstrated that sleep-like slow waves (SW) during wakefulness are linked to inattention in neurotypical individuals, particularly following sleep deprivation, yet their role in ADHD remains unclear. This study investigated whether individuals with ADHD present with altered waking SW distribution compared to neurotypical controls and whether SW explain attentional difficulties in ADHD. MethodsAdults with (n = 32) and without ADHD (n = 31) completed a sustained attention task while EEG recorded brain activity. Mental state probes (on-task, MW, MB) were embedded within the task. Sleep-like SW reflect a slowing of cortical activity and was detected from EEG activity. Omission/commission errors, reaction time (RT), RT variability, mental state reports and subjective sleepiness were analysed. Mediation analysis examined whether SW density explained ADHD-related performance differences. ResultsIndividuals with ADHD exhibited more commission errors, MW and MB, and higher SW density (SW/min), particularly over parieto-temporal electrodes. Increased SW density correlated with higher omission errors, slower RTs, greater RT variability, and elevated sleepiness ratings. On-task reports were negatively correlated with SW density. Mediation analysis revealed that SW density significantly accounted for ADHD-related attentional difficulties. ConclusionsWake SW may explain attentional difficulties in ADHD, providing a potential mechanistic link between sleep disturbances and attentional fluctuations.

neuroscience↗