The
basal forebrain is a term for a group of structures that lie
near the bottom of the front of the brain, including the nucleus
basalis, diagonal band, medial septum and substantia innominata.
These structures are important in the production of a brain
chemical called acetylcholine,
which is then distributed widely throughout the brain. Acetylcholine
affects the ability of brain cells to transmit information
to one another, and also encourages plasticity,
or learning. Thus, damage to the basal forebrain can reduce
the amount of acetylcholine in the brain and impair learning.
This may be one reason why basal forebrain damage can result
in memory impairments such as amnesia
and confabulation.
One common cause of basal forebrain damage is aneurysm
of the anterior
communicating artery.

Further Reading:
Article : "CONFABULATION"
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain
Artwork copyright © 2000 Ann L. Myers
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