Disentangling False Memories: Gray Matter Correlates of Memory Sensitivity and Decision Bias

Human memory is inherently susceptible to errors, including the formation of false memories—instances where individuals mistakenly recall information they were never exposed to. While prior research has largely focused on neural activity associated with false memory [1,2], the structural brain correlates of this phenomenon remain relatively unexplored. This study bridges that gap by investigating gray matter structure as it relates to individual differences in false memory performance. Using publicly available magnetic resonance imaging datasets, we analyzed cortical thickness (CT) in neural regions implicated in memory processes. To assess false memory, we applied signal detection theory, which provides a robust framework for differentiating between true and false memory. Our findings reveal that increased CT in the parietal lobe and middle occipital gyrus correlates with greater susceptibility to false memories, highlighting its role in integrating and manipulating memory information. Conversely, CT in the middle frontal gyrus and occipital pole was associated with enhanced accuracy in memory recall, emphasizing its importance in perceptual processing and encoding true memories. These results provide novel insights into the structural basis of memory errors and offer a foundation for future investigations into the neural underpinnings of memory reliability.