The Effects of Working Memory versus Adaptive Visual Search Control Training on Executive Cognitive Function

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuropsychology

Background:

• Working Memory (WM) training's efficacy in enhancing executive cognitive function (ECF) remains debated, particularly regarding far-transfer effects.
• Research is exploring WM training's potential benefits for clinical populations with existing ECF deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of WM training versus a non-WM visual search (VS) control training on ECF in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and healthy controls.
• To assess improvements in delay discounting, inhibition, and drinking behaviors post-training.

Main Methods:

• Participants (AUD and non-AUD) underwent 15 sessions of either adaptive WM or VS training over 4 weeks.
• ECF was measured using delay discounting tasks, flanker, color, and spatial Stroop tasks.
• Drinking behavior in the AUD group was also monitored.

Main Results:

• Both WM and VS training led to significant improvements across all ECF measures at 4 weeks and 1-month follow-up.
• Training reduced delay discounting rates and Stroop/Flanker task interference in all participants.
• AUD participants showed sustained reductions in drinking behavior one month after training.

Conclusions:

• Nonspecific effects of demanding cognitive training, rather than WM-specific effects, may drive ECF enhancements.
• Cognitive training benefits, including improved ECF and reduced drinking in AUD, are retained for at least one month post-intervention.