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What Is Targeted When We Train Working Memory? Evidence From a Meta-Analysis of the Neural Correlates of Working
Oshin Vartanian1,2, Vladyslava Replete1,3, Sidney Ann Saint1,4
1Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 18, 2022
Summary
Working memory (WM) training decreases brain activity in key areas. This suggests WM training functionally alters neural structures supporting cognitive functions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Working memory (WM) involves maintaining and manipulating information amidst distractions.
- WM span is considered a measure of limited cognitive capacity.
- Recent evidence suggests WM capacity can be enhanced through targeted training.
Approach:
- A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on WM training was conducted.
- Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) was used to synthesize findings from multiple studies.
- The study investigated whether WM training specifically targets the neural substrates supporting WM.
Key Points:
- WM training led to decreased blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses.
- These reductions were observed in fronto-parietal regions critical for WM.
- Affected areas include the inferior parietal lobule, middle and superior frontal gyri, and medial frontal gyrus.
Conclusions:
- WM training is associated with reduced neural activation in core WM networks.
- This suggests functional alterations in the brain's WM system.
- The findings have implications for understanding WM capacity and the effects of cognitive training.
