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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Mechanism for top-down control of working memory capacity
Fredrik Edin1, Torkel Klingberg, Pär Johansson
1Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. fredrik.edin@ki.se
Summary
Working memory capacity is enhanced by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex boosting parietal memory storage. This top-down control mechanism explains individual differences in cognitive abilities.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Working memory capacity predicts general cognitive abilities.
- Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) are implicated in visuospatial working memory.
- The precise role of dlPFC in memory retention and capacity regulation remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dlPFC in boosting working memory capacity.
- To computationally model the mechanism of prefrontal cortex influence on parietal memory storage.
- To derive a mathematical formula for working memory capacity based on prefrontal and parietal parameters.
Main Methods:
- Development of a biophysical cortical microcircuit model.
- Mathematical formulation of a prefrontal boosting mechanism.
- Validation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
Main Results:
- Parietal cortex lateral inhibition naturally limits capacity to 2-7 items.
- Excitatory dlPFC input counteracts inhibition, boosting capacity at high loads.
- Interindividual differences in working memory capacity correlate with dlPFC top-down control strength.
Conclusions:
- The dlPFC plays a crucial role in enhancing parietal memory capacity.
- A computational model explains the top-down control mechanism of working memory.
- Both dlPFC and PPC contribute distinctly to working memory capacity.
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