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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
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Distractor filtering and task load in working memory training in healthy older adults
Emanuel Geiter1, Gresa Mazreku2,3, Martina Foresti2
1Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG), Basel, Switzerland.
Scientific Reports
|October 19, 2024
Summary
Working memory (WM) training in older adults improved cognitive capacity. Manipulating working memory and filtering efficiency loads during training did not significantly impact these improvements, suggesting distractors are key.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Filtering efficiency (FE) is linked to working memory (WM) in older adults.
- The role of distractors in WM training for older adults remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how manipulating WM and FE load affects WM capacity improvement through training.
- To determine the impact of distractors on WM training outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- 205 healthy older adults participated in a 3-week online cognitive training program.
- Participants were randomized into three groups with varying WM and FE loads.
- WM capacity was assessed using complex span tasks, and FE using the Change Detection Task.
Main Results:
- All training groups showed increased WM capacity post-intervention.
- No significant differences in WM improvement were observed between the groups with different load manipulations.
- The study found that while distractors and WM are necessary for improvement, manipulating their load did not alter training outcomes.
Conclusions:
- WM training can enhance cognitive capacity in older adults.
- The specific manipulation of WM and FE load during training does not appear to influence the extent of WM improvement.
- Distractors play a crucial role in WM enhancement, irrespective of load manipulation during training.
