Brain rhythms in cognition -- controversies and future directions

TL;DR

This paper reviews current understanding of brain rhythms in cognition, discusses controversies, and outlines future research directions to unify theories of rhythmic brain functions across cognitive domains.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive critical review of oscillatory mechanisms in cognition and proposes future research directions to address unresolved questions and controversies.

Findings

Critical examination of physiological mechanisms like phase dynamics and amplitude phenomena.

Analysis of brain rhythms' roles in perception, attention, memory, and communication.

Identification of open questions and future research pathways in rhythmic brain function.

Abstract

Brain rhythms seem central to understanding the neurophysiological basis of human cognition. Yet, despite significant advances, key questions remain unresolved. In this comprehensive position paper, we review the current state of the art on oscillatory mechanisms and their cognitive relevance. The paper critically examines physiological underpinnings, from phase-related dynamics like cyclic excitability, to amplitude-based phenomena, such as gating by inhibition, and their interactions, such as phase-amplitude coupling, as well as frequency dynamics, like sampling mechanisms. We also critically evaluate future research directions, including travelling waves and brain-body interactions. We then provide an in-depth analysis of the role of brain rhythms across cognitive domains, including perception, attention, memory, and communication, emphasising ongoing debates and open questions in each area. By summarising current theories and highlighting gaps, this position paper offers a roadmap for future research, aimed at facilitating a unified framework of rhythmic brain function underlying cognition.