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Effects of frontal lobe damage on interference effects in working memory
Sharon L Thompson-Schill1, John Jonides, Christy Marshuetz
1Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6196, USA. thompson@psych.upenn.edu
Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience
|November 29, 2002
Summary
Working memory involves distinct components. A specific brain region in the left inferior frontal gyrus is crucial for resolving interference in working memory tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Working memory is theorized to consist of separate components, potentially with distinct neural underpinnings.
- Neuroimaging studies suggest a specific area in the left inferior frontal gyrus is involved in managing interference within working memory.
Observation:
- This study investigated working memory in patients with frontal lobe lesions using a modified item recognition task.
- Interference from prior trials was manipulated to assess its impact on performance.
- Patient R.C., with a lesion in the identified left inferior frontal gyrus region, was a key focus.
Findings:
- Normal aging impacts both working memory capacity and the ability to manage interference.
- Frontal lobe damage generally led to working memory deficits but not altered interference effects.
- Patient R.C. showed a significant increase in interference effects on both response time and accuracy.
Implications:
- The left inferior frontal gyrus may perform a general function of selecting relevant information amidst competing stimuli, rather than a purely mnemonic role.
- This selection function appears critical for certain working memory operations.