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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Effects of working-memory training on striatal dopamine release
Lars Bäckman1, Lars Nyberg, Anna Soveri
1Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. lars.backman.1@ki.se
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 6, 2011
Summary
Working memory updating relies on dopamine D2 receptor activity in the striatum. Training enhanced this dopamine release, improving working memory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Working memory updating is linked to striato-frontal circuits and dopamine.
- Dopamine D2 receptors play a role in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of working memory updating on striatal dopamine D2 receptor availability.
- To examine how updating training modifies dopamine activity in the striatum.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) with raclopride was used to measure dopamine D2 receptor binding.
- Participants performed a letter-updating task and a control task.
- Measurements were taken before and after a 5-week updating training program.
Main Results:
- Working memory updating modulated dopamine activity in the striatum prior to training.
- Updating training led to increased striatal dopamine release during the updating task.
- Raclopride binding indicated changes in dopamine availability related to updating performance.
Conclusions:
- Striatal dopamine D2 receptor activity is crucial for working memory updating.
- Cognitive training can enhance dopamine release associated with working memory processes.
- Transient neural processes involving dopamine are key to working memory function.
