prefrontal cortex

A  BBC episode about a miracle cure for Parkinsons. 
One of the 42 subjects noted that he could still articulate fancy ideas but he had no urge to follow through.

The pre frontal cortex is thought to be in charge of the executive functions and it is well placed
pre frontal cortex - location and functions

Many authors have indicated an integral link between a person's will to live, personality, and the functions of the prefrontal cortex.

This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognition, in expressing personality, in decision making, and in moderating social behavior.

The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals

The most typical psychological term for functions carried out by the prefrontal cortex area is executive function.

Executive function relates to abilities to

 

• differentiate among conflicting thoughts, 
  
• determine good and bad
  
• same and different,
  
• future consequences of current activities,
  
• working toward a defined goal, 
  
• prediction of outcomes,
  
• expectation based on actions, and 
  
• social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable outcomes
  
  
  https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-prefrontal-cortex.htm