Retrospective cortex refers to [[Brain Regions]], particularly [[Posterior Parietal Cortex]] and [[Posterior Cingulate Cortex]], that process history-dependent or past-action values in [[Decision-Making]], contrasting with prospective (future-oriented) processing in anterior regions.[1][2] ## Key Functions Posterior cortex, including areas like the [[retrosplenial cortex (RSC)]], encodes retrospective values based on discounted sums of past rewards from actions. These regions integrate prior outcomes to inform habits and memory, while frontal areas like the [[Anterior Cingulate Cortex|Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)]] and [[anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM)]] blend retrospective signals with prospective ones for adaptive choices.[3][4][1] ## Neural Integration In tasks like reinforcement learning, posterior striatum and cortex handle retrospective valuation, with ALM emerging as a hub for merging it with predictions during state transitions. Retrosplenial cortex supports related retrospective processes in spatial memory, navigation, and episodic recall by processing stable environmental landmarks.[5][4][6][1] ## Clinical Relevance Damage to retrosplenial cortex impairs anterograde/retrograde memory and topographical orientation, while early [[Alzheimer’s Disease]] affects it, linking to cognitive decline. 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