Which brain area helps in the visual memory of word forms, particularly in dyslexic individuals?

The occipito-temporal area plays a critical role in visual memory, particularly when it comes to recognizing word forms. This brain area is essential for efficiently processing visual information, which includes the shapes and configurations of letters and words. In dyslexic individuals, this area often demonstrates differences in activation and connectivity when compared to non-dyslexic readers, which can contribute to the challenges they face in reading fluently. Enhanced functioning and connectivity in the occipito-temporal area can thus support the development of more efficient reading skills, helping individuals improve their recognition and recall of words.

Other brain areas mentioned serve different functions; for instance, Broca's area is primarily associated with language production and processing rather than visual memory. The frontal cortex is involved in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving but is not specifically linked to visual word form memory. The left parieto-temporal area is involved in phonological processing and is crucial for decoding and sounding out words, rather than visual memory of word forms.