User:Tsmithrandle/sandbox

Working Memory
The DLPFC is a major factor in controlling functions such as attention, executive function, and working memory. Working memory (WM) is an ability that humans and primates have that allows more information to be held as well as coherent thoughts and ideas, making it be called the “mental sketch-pad” or a “on-line memory” .Working memory has a capacity limit of how much can be retained for people with both healthy and abnormal DLPFCs. When the capacity limit has been reached, it can cause hypofrontality, a reduction in the activity of the PFC. Working Memory is dependent upon the functionality of the DLPFC as reduced activity in the area correlates to poor performance on working memory tasks. The cognitive functions of working memory is prominent in other areas of the brain as well, not limited to just the DLPFC.

Schizophrenia
TThe DLPFC has dysfunctions that are unique to schizophrenia patients. . Schizophrenia leads to abnormal activation of the DLPFC during working memory tasks. Patients perform poorly on working memory tasks because of the WM’s dependency on the DLPFC to work properly. The limitations of working memory are more restricted for schizophrenia than for the normal patients. Schizophrenic patients will have a much more difficult time processing and remembering with such a lower capacity of working memory potential compared to healthy patients. Schizophrenia can lead to distortions in DLPFC cognitive processing, such as memory, attention, and higher order processing.

Depression
Along with the limbic system, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deals heavily with major depressive disorder (MDD). While working memory tasks seem activate the DLPFC normally, a reduction of the activity in the DLPFC is linked to grey matter volume abnormalities in MDD. The DLPFC may also have ties to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in their functions with depression The DLPFC has functions related to an emotional response which is seen in the suppression stage of depression. The VMPFC has relations to the self-awareness and self-reflection within MDD.

Substance abuse
Substance abuse of drugs, or substance use disorder (SUD), links to the diminished executive functions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. There is a correlation between drug abuse leading to increased engage in risky behavior and dysfunctions with the DLPFC. Within those who abuse drugs, the executive functions of the DLPFC are disconnected from areas like the  anterior cingulate cortex and insula  that lessen risk factors. This extends to non-addicted patients as well as they will continue to make risky decisions if there is a no communication between the DLPFC and the insula. The results of lesion to the DLPFC includes irresponsibility and freedom from inhibitions, and the abuse of drugs can invoke the same response of daring activity.

Alcohol
Alcohol can create an effect on the functionality of the Prefrontal Cortex and can contribute to the regulation of alcoholism. As the ACC works to inhibit any inappropriate behaviors through processing information to the executive network of the DLPFC, as noted before this disruption in communication can lead to these actions being made. In a task known as Cambridge risk task, SUD participants have been shown to have a lower activation of their DLPFC. Specifically in a test related to alcoholism, a task called the Wheel of Fortune (WOF) had adolescents with a family history of alcoholism present lower DLPFC activation. Adolescents that have had no family members with a history of alcoholism did not exhibit the same decrease of activity.