A recent study has illuminated the brain’s process of imagining future outcomes to aid decision-making, potentially offering insights into treating disorders that impact decision-making abilities.

According to researchers, the interaction between the prefrontal cortex, crucial for planning and decision-making, and the hippocampus, responsible for memory formation, enables individuals to simulate possible outcomes akin to how chess players strategize moves.

Marcelo Mattar, study author and assistant professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology, described the prefrontal cortex as a “simulator” that tests potential actions using cognitive maps stored in the hippocampus.

Understanding these brain mechanisms could lead to advancements in therapies for disorders affecting decision-making, enhancing strategies to support cognitive function and decision-making processes.