Neural correlates of working memory training: An fMRI meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive training is known to improve working memory (WM).
• Neural mechanisms underlying WM training effects are not fully understood, with prior studies yielding varied conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis examining the neural substrates associated with working memory training in healthy adults.
• To investigate how training dosage and task type influence neural changes.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of studies investigating neural changes after working memory training.
• Analysis of training duration and task type (updating vs. maintenance) effects on neural substrates.

Main Results:

• Global analyses identified significant neural changes in frontoparietal and subcortical brain regions.
• Shorter training durations primarily affected frontoparietal regions, while longer durations impacted subcortical areas (striatum, ACC, insula).
• Updating tasks induced broader neural changes compared to maintenance tasks.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training induces neural changes in the frontoparietal network and dopamine-related brain areas.
• Training duration and task specificity are critical moderators of neural plasticity in working memory.
• This meta-analysis advances the understanding of the neural underpinnings of working memory training effects.