Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK and Southwest University in China found the communication path in the brain that helps suppress intrusive thoughts, according to an article in Neuroscience News. The researchers published results on April 18th in the Journal of Neuroscience which show that areas in the front and center of the brain—called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex–work to suppress signals from the place where it is believed that emotion gets attached to memory—called the amygdala and located in the hippocampus (over and around the ears).
Now that this is better understood, it may help researchers find ways to help individuals suppress unwanted memories. It is also promising for neurofeedback applications.
To see a chart of the areas of the brain involved, go to Neuroscience News. To read the abstract and significance statement (the full article is behind a paywall), go to Journal of Neuroscience.