Working memory training: Taking a step back to retool and create a bridge between clinical and neuroimaging research...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Clinical Neuropsychology

Background:

• Aging populations and improved survival post-brain injury increase demand for cognitive interventions.
• Working memory training is a key area of interest for enhancing cognitive functions like attention and memory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address challenges hindering progress in cognitive intervention research.
• To propose a framework for validating working memory training efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Discussing limitations in cognitive measurement tools and control group selection.
• Highlighting the need for neuroimaging studies in neurological disorders.
• Advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Main Results:

• Current research efforts in clinical and neuroimaging are fragmented.
• Progress is impeded by methodological issues and a lack of integrated approaches.

Conclusions:

• A multi-level framework combining clinical and neuroimaging approaches is needed.
• Establishing multidisciplinary teams and embracing open science principles are essential for advancing cognitive training research.