Dynamics of the Human Structural Connectome Underlying Working Memory Training
Karen Caeyenberghs1, Claudia Metzler-Baddeley2, Sonya Foley2
1School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia, and Karen.Caeyenberghs@acu.edu.au.
Summary
Cognitive training enhances working memory and brain network integration. Adaptive working memory training improved frontoparietal network efficiency, particularly when using myelination-sensitive MRI metrics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Cognitive training interventions can alter brain function, but their impact on structural brain networks is not well understood.
- Previous studies primarily focused on functional brain networks, leaving the effects on structural connectivity largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of adaptive working memory training on the structural brain connectome in healthy adults.
- To compare changes in network connectivity between adaptive and nonadaptive training groups.
- To evaluate the influence of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics on assessing training-induced network changes.
Main Methods:
- Employed a working memory training program with adaptive and nonadaptive control groups.
- Utilized advanced neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion MRI and quantitative longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) mapping.
- Applied graph theoretical analysis to structural white matter connectivity (connectome) to assess network properties.
Main Results:
- Adaptive working memory training led to significant improvements in working memory and executive functions (reasoning, inhibition).
- Graph theoretical analysis revealed increased global integration and efficiency within the frontoparietal attention network after adaptive training.
- Network efficiency changes were more accurately captured using MRI metrics sensitive to myelination (R1) compared to traditional diffusion MRI metrics.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of training-induced structural connectome changes using a controlled design and advanced neuroimaging.
- Adaptive working memory training enhances structural connectivity and global integration within the frontoparietal network.
- Myelination-sensitive MRI metrics are crucial for accurately reflecting training-induced plasticity and network efficiency improvements, informing future cognitive training optimization.
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