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Zając-Lamparska L, Zabielska-Mendyk E, Zapała D, Augustynowicz P. Compensatory brain activity pattern is not present in older adults during the n-back task performance-Findings based on EEG frequency analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1371035. [PMID: 38666231 PMCID: PMC11043891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1371035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive ability is one of the most important enablers for successful aging. At the same time, cognitive decline is a well-documented phenomenon accompanying the aging process. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that aging can also be related to positive processes that allow one to compensate for the decline. These processes include the compensatory brain activity of older adults primarily investigated using fMRI and PET. To strengthen the cognitive interpretation of compensatory brain activity in older adults, we searched for its indicators in brain activity measured by EEG. Methods The study sample comprised 110 volunteers, including 50 older adults (60-75 years old) and 60 young adults (20-35 years old) who performed 1-back, 2-back, and 3-back tasks while recording the EEG signal. The study analyzed (1) the level of cognitive performance, including sensitivity index, the percentage of correct answers to the target, and the percentage of false alarm errors; (2) theta and alpha power for electrodes located in the frontal-midline (Fz, AF3, AF4, F3, F4, FC1, and FC2) and the centro-parietal (CP1, CP2, P3, P4, and Pz) areas. Results Cognitive performance was worse in older adults than in young adults, which manifested in a significantly lower sensitivity index and a significantly higher false alarm error rate at all levels of the n-back task difficulty. Simultaneously, performance worsened with increasing task difficulty regardless of age. Significantly lower theta power in the older participants was observed at all difficulty levels, even at the lowest one, where compensatory activity was expected. At the same time, at this difficulty level, cognitive performance was worse in older adults than in young adults, which could reduce the chances of observing compensatory brain activity. The significant decrease in theta power observed in both age groups with rising task difficulty can reflect a declining capacity for efficient cognitive functioning under increasing demands rather than adapting to this increase. Moreover, in young adults, alpha power decreased to some extent with increasing cognitive demand, reflecting adaptation to them, while in older adults, no analogous pattern was observed. Discussion In conclusion, based on the results of the current study, the presence of compensatory activity in older adults cannot be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmiła Zając-Lamparska
- Department of General and Human Development Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Emilia Zabielska-Mendyk
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Zapała
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Augustynowicz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Karthikeyan R, Carrizales J, Johnson C, Mehta RK. A Window Into the Tired Brain: Neurophysiological Dynamics of Visuospatial Working Memory Under Fatigue. Hum Factors 2024; 66:528-543. [PMID: 35574703 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221094900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activity and its correlates in heart rate and its variability (HR/HRV) during a fatiguing visuospatial working memory task. BACKGROUND The neural and physiological drivers of fatigue are complex, coupled, and poorly understood. Investigations that combine the fidelity of neural indices and the field-readiness of physiological measures can facilitate measurements of fatigue states in operational settings. METHOD Sixteen healthy adults, balanced by sex, completed a 60-minute fatiguing visuospatial working memory task. Changes in task performance, subjective measures of effort and fatigue, cerebral hemodynamics, and HR/HRV were analyzed. Peak brain activation, functional and effective connections within relevant brain networks were contrasted against spectral and temporal features of HR/HRV. RESULTS Task performance elicited increased neural activation in regions responsible for maintaining working memory capacity. With the onset of time-on-task effects, resource utilization was seen to increase beyond task-relevant networks. Over time, functional connections in the prefrontal cortex were seen to weaken, with changes in the causal relationships between key regions known to drive working memory. HR/HRV indices were seen to closely follow activity in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION This investigation provided a window into the neurophysiological underpinnings of working memory under the time-on-task effect. HR/HRV was largely shown to mirror changes in cortical networks responsible for working memory, therefore supporting the possibility of unobtrusive state recognition under ecologically valid conditions. APPLICATIONS Findings here can inform the development of a fieldable index for cognitive fatigue.
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Kujala J, Ciumas C, Jung J, Bouvard S, Lecaignard F, Lothe A, Bouet R, Ryvlin P, Jerbi K. GABAergic inhibition shapes behavior and neural dynamics in human visual working memory. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad522. [PMID: 38186005 PMCID: PMC10839845 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal inhibition, primarily mediated by GABAergic neurotransmission, is crucial for brain development and healthy cognition. Gamma-aminobutyric acid concentration levels in sensory areas have been shown to correlate with hemodynamic and oscillatory neuronal responses. How these measures relate to one another during working memory, a higher-order cognitive process, is still poorly understood. We address this gap by collecting magnetoencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and Flumazenil positron emission tomography data within the same subject cohort using an n-back working-memory paradigm. By probing the relationship between GABAA receptor distribution, neural oscillations, and Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) modulations, we found that GABAA receptor density in higher-order cortical areas predicted the reaction times on the working-memory task and correlated positively with the peak frequency of gamma power modulations and negatively with BOLD amplitude. These findings support and extend theories linking gamma oscillations and hemodynamic responses to gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission and to the excitation-inhibition balance and cognitive performance in humans. Considering the small sample size of the study, future studies should test whether these findings also hold for other, larger cohorts as well as to examine in detail how the GABAergic system and neural fluctuations jointly support working-memory task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kujala
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, Jyvaskyla FI-40014, Finland
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Carolina Ciumas
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
- Institute for Child and Adolescent with Epilepsy (IDEE), Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Julien Jung
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
- Department of Epileptology and Functional Neurology, Lyon Neurological Hospital, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Sandrine Bouvard
- Institute for Child and Adolescent with Epilepsy (IDEE), Lyon F-69000, France
- CERMEP Imaging Center, Bron F-69003, France
| | - Françoise Lecaignard
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
- CERMEP Imaging Center, Bron F-69003, France
| | - Amélie Lothe
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Romain Bouet
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Philippe Ryvlin
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
- Institute for Child and Adolescent with Epilepsy (IDEE), Lyon F-69000, France
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHUV, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Karim Jerbi
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR5292, Lyon F-69000, France
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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Ohshima S, Koeda M, Kawai W, Saito H, Niioka K, Okuno K, Naganawa S, Hama T, Kyutoku Y, Dan I. Cerebral response to emotional working memory based on vocal cues: an fNIRS study. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1160392. [PMID: 38222093 PMCID: PMC10785654 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1160392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Humans mainly utilize visual and auditory information as a cue to infer others' emotions. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown the neural basis of memory processing based on facial expression, but few studies have examined it based on vocal cues. Thus, we aimed to investigate brain regions associated with emotional judgment based on vocal cues using an N-back task paradigm. Methods Thirty participants performed N-back tasks requiring them to judge emotion or gender from voices that contained both emotion and gender information. During these tasks, cerebral hemodynamic response was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results The results revealed that during the Emotion 2-back task there was significant activation in the frontal area, including the right precentral and inferior frontal gyri, possibly reflecting the function of an attentional network with auditory top-down processing. In addition, there was significant activation in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which is known to be a major part of the working memory center. Discussion These results suggest that, compared to judging the gender of voice stimuli, when judging emotional information, attention is directed more deeply and demands for higher-order cognition, including working memory, are greater. We have revealed for the first time the specific neural basis for emotional judgments based on vocal cues compared to that for gender judgments based on vocal cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Ohshima
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Michihiko Koeda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo, Japan
- Department of Mental Health, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital, Tama, Japan
| | - Wakana Kawai
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Saito
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Kiyomitsu Niioka
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Koki Okuno
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Sho Naganawa
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hama
- Department of Medical Technology, Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Iyo-gun, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Health Science Technology, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kyutoku
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Ippeita Dan
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo, Japan
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Li X, Motwani C, Cao M, Martin E, Halperin JM. Working Memory-Related Neurofunctional Correlates Associated with the Frontal Lobe in Children with Familial vs. Non-Familial Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1469. [PMID: 37891836 PMCID: PMC10605263 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with high prevalence, heritability, and heterogeneity. Children with a positive family history of ADHD have a heightened risk of ADHD emergence, persistence, and executive function deficits, with the neural mechanisms having been under investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate working memory-related functional brain activation patterns in children with ADHD (with vs. without positive family histories (ADHD-F vs. ADHD-NF)) and matched typically developing children (TDC). Voxel-based and region of interest analyses were conducted on two-back task-based fMRI data of 362 subjects, including 186, 96, and 80 children in groups of TDC, ADHD-NF, and ADHD-F, respectively. Relative to TDC, both ADHD groups had significantly reduced activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). And the ADHD-F group demonstrated a significant positive association of left IFG activation with task reaction time, a negative association of the right IFG with ADHD symptomatology, and a negative association of the IFG activation laterality index with the inattention symptom score. These results suggest that working memory-related functional alterations in bilateral IFGs may play distinct roles in ADHD-F, with the functional underdevelopment of the left IFG significantly informing the onset of ADHD symptoms. Our findings have the potential to assist in tailored diagnoses and targeted interventions in children with ADHD-F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (C.M.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Chirag Motwani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (C.M.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Meng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (C.M.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Elizabeth Martin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (C.M.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Halperin
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
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Shao Y, Peng Z, Xu L, Lian J, An X, Cheng MY. Decrease in the P2 Amplitude of Object Working Memory after 8 h-Recovery Sleep Following 36 h-Total Sleep Deprivation: An ERP Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1470. [PMID: 37891837 PMCID: PMC10605542 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of sleep deprivation on working memory can only be reversed by recovery sleep (RS). However, there are limited electrophysiological studies on the effect of RS on the improvement in working memory after sleep deprivation, and the changes in the early components of event-related potentials (ERPs) before and after RS are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of RS on the earlier ERP components related to object working memory following 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD). Twenty healthy male participants performed an object working memory task after 36 h of TSD and after 8 h of RS. Electroencephalogram data were recorded accordingly while the task was performed. Repeated ANOVA showed that P2 amplitudes related to object working memory decreased significantly after 8 h of RS compared to after a 36 h period of TSD, but there was no significant difference from baseline (BS), which indicates a trend of recovery to the baseline state. An 8 h RS can partially improve impaired object working memory caused by TSD. However, a longer period of RS is needed for the complete recovery of cognitive function after a long period of TSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ming-Yang Cheng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.S.); (Z.P.); (L.X.); (J.L.); (X.A.)
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Marcaccio M, Tosti B, Di Pompeo I, D'Aurizio G, Curcio G. The role of emotional cues in event-based prospective memory. Neurosci Lett 2023:137333. [PMID: 37311507 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prospective memory (PM) refers to the ability to perform expected actions in the future. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of stimuli with emotional content on the prospective memory, with particular attention to different age groups. METHODS Starting from an experimental paradigm used in a previous study (by Cona et al., 2015), we evaluated whether emotional cues (positive, negative, or neutral images) did influence a prospective memory task based on the event during the performance of an ongoing n-back task in three different age groups. RESULTS A difference emerged between the three investigated groups indicating that positive emotional cues were remembered better than negative and neutral ones. In addition, older subjects resulted slower than others in responding to stimuli and showed the tendency to make more errors in the prospective memory task. CONCLUSIONS As hypothesized, a difference in the performance of the task appears as due to age. In general, the younger participants take the test more accurately (i.e., with fewer errors). This could be explained because the prospective memory deteriorates with increasing age. Behavioral results do not yet allow us to answer the research question on the role of emotional material in prospective memory; more research is needed to clarify these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marcaccio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - B Tosti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - I Di Pompeo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G D'Aurizio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Curcio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Eschman B, Ross-Sheehy S. Visual Short-Term Memory Persists Across Multiple Fixations: An n-Back Approach to Quantifying Capacity in Infants and Adults. Psychol Sci 2023; 34:370-383. [PMID: 36608146 PMCID: PMC10152117 DOI: 10.1177/09567976221136509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual short-term memory (STM) is a foundational component of general cognition that develops rapidly during the first year of life. Although previous research has revealed important relations between overt visual fixation and memory formation, it is unknown whether infants can maintain distinct memories for sequentially fixated items or remember nonfixated array items. Participants (5-month-olds, 11-month-olds, and adults; n = 24 at each age) from the United States were tested in a passive change-detection paradigm with an n-back manipulation to examine memory for the last fixated item (one-back), second-to-last fixated item (two-back), or nonfixated item (change-other). Eye tracking was used to measure overt fixation while participants passively viewed arrays of colored circles. Results for all ages revealed convergent evidence of memory for up to two sequentially fixated objects (i.e., one-back, two-back), with moderate evidence for nonfixated array items (change-other). A permutation analysis examining change preference over time suggested that differences could not be explained by perseverative looking or location biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret Eschman
- Department of Psychology, The University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Xi C, Liu Z, Zeng C, Tan W, Sun F, Yang J, Palaniyappan L. The centrality of working memory networks in differentiating bipolar type I depression from unipolar depression: A task-fMRI study. Can J Psychiatry 2023; 68:22-32. [PMID: 35244484 PMCID: PMC9720478 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221078646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Up to 70%-80% of patients with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed as having major depressive disorder (MDD), leading to both delayed intervention and worsening disability. Differences in the cognitive neurophysiology may serve to distinguish between the depressive phase of type 1 bipolar disorder (BDD-I) from MDD, though this remains to be demonstrated. To this end, we investigate the discriminatory signal in the topological organization of the functional connectome during a working memory (WM) task in BDD-I and MDD, as a candidate identification approach. METHODS We calculated and compared the degree centrality (DC) at the whole-brain voxel-wise level in 31 patients with BDD-I, 35 patients with MDD, and 80 healthy controls (HCs) during an n-back task. We further extracted the distinct DC patterns in the two patient groups under different WM loads and used machine learning approaches to determine the distinguishing ability of the DC map. RESULTS Patients with BDD-I had lower accuracy and longer reaction time (RT) than HCs at high WM loads. BDD-I is characterized by decreased DC in the default mode network (DMN) and the sensorimotor network (SMN) when facing high WM load. In contrast, MDD is characterized by increased DC in the DMN during high WM load. Higher WM load resulted in better classification performance, with the distinct aberrant DC maps under 2-back load discriminating the two disorders with 90.91% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS The distributed brain connectivity during high WM load provides novel insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment of depression. This could potentially distinguish BDD-I from MDD if replicated in future large-scale evaluations of first-episode depression with longitudinal confirmation of diagnostic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xi
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Zhening Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Can Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjian Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Fuping Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- 113611Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada.,Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
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Liang P, Li Z, Li J, Wei J, Li J, Zhang S, Xu S, Liu Z, Wang J. Impacts of complex electromagnetic radiation and low-frequency noise exposure conditions on the cognitive function of operators. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1138118. [PMID: 37033075 PMCID: PMC10076881 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Both electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and low-frequency noise (LFN) are widespread and influential environmental factors, and operators are inevitably exposed to both EMR and LFN within a complex exposure environment. The potential adverse effects of such exposure on human health must be considered seriously. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EMR and LFN on cognitive function as well as their interaction effect, which remain unclear. Methods Sixty young male college students were randomly grouped and experiments were conducted with a 2 × 2 factorial design in a shielded chamber. Mental workload (MWL) levels of the study subjects were measured and assessed using the NASA-task load index (TLX) subjective scale, an n-back task paradigm, and the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging technique. Results For the 3-back task, the NASA-TLX subjective scale revealed a statistically significant main effect of LFN intensity, which enhanced the subjects' MWL level (F = 8.716, p < 0.01). Behavioral performance revealed that EMR intensity (430.1357 MHz, 10.75 W/m2) and LFN intensity (0-200 Hz, 72.9 dB) had a synergistic interaction effect, and the correct response time was statistically significantly prolonged by the combined exposure (F = 4.343, p < 0.05). The fNIRS imaging technique revealed a synergistic interaction effect between operational EMR intensity and operational LFN intensity, with statistically significant effects on the activation levels in the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The mean β values of DLPFC were significantly increased (L-DLPFC F = 5.391, p < 0.05, R-DLPFC F = 4.222, p < 0.05), and the relative concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the DLPFC were also significantly increased (L-DLPFC F = 4.925, p < 0.05, R-DLPFC F = 9.715, p < 0.01). Conclusion We found a statistically significant interaction effect between EMR (430.1357 MHz, 10.75 W/m2) and LFN (0-200 Hz, 72.9 dB) when simultaneously exposing subjects to both for 30 min. We conclude that exposure to this complex environment can cause a statistically significant increase in the MWL level of operators, and even alterations in their cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liang
- Department of Rehabilitative Physioltherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Hospital of No. 95007 Unit of PLA, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zenglei Li
- Department of Rehabilitative Physioltherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiangjing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Li
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shenghao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shenglong Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 940th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaohui Liu,
| | - Jin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Jin Wang,
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Coleman SC, Seedat ZA, Whittaker AC, Lenartowicz A, Mullinger KJ. Beyond the Beta Rebound: Post-Task Responses in Oscillatory Activity follow Cessation of Working Memory Processes. Neuroimage 2023; 265:119801. [PMID: 36496181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-task responses (PTRs) are transitionary responses occurring for several seconds between the end of a stimulus/task and a period of rest. The most well-studied of these are beta band (13 - 30 Hz) PTRs in motor networks following movement, often called post-movement beta rebounds, which have been shown to differ in patients with schizophrenia and autism. Previous studies have proposed that beta PTRs reflect inhibition of task-positive networks to enable a return to resting brain activity, scaling with cognitive demand and reflecting cortical self-regulation. It is unknown whether PTRs are a phenomenon of the motor system, or whether they are a more general self-modulatory property of cortex that occur following cessation of higher cognitive processes as well as movement. To test this, we recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) responses in 20 healthy participants to a working-memory task, known to recruit cortical networks associated with higher cognition. Our results revealed PTRs in the theta, alpha and beta bands across many regions of the brain, including the dorsal attention network (DAN) and lateral visual regions. These PTRs increased significantly (p < 0.05) in magnitude with working-memory load, an effect which is independent of oscillatory modulations occurring over the task period as well as those following individual stimuli. Furthermore, we showed that PTRs are functionally related to reaction times in left lateral visual (p < 0.05) and left parietal (p < 0.1) regions, while the oscillatory responses measured during the task period are not. Importantly, motor PTRs following button presses did not modulate with task condition, suggesting that PTRs in different networks are driven by different aspects of cognition. Our findings show that PTRs are not limited to motor networks but are widespread in regions which are recruited during the task. We provide evidence that PTRs have unique properties, scaling with cognitive load and correlating significantly with behaviour. Based on the evidence, we suggest that PTRs inhibit task-positive network activity to enable a transition to rest, however, further investigation is required to uncover their role in neuroscience and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian C Coleman
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Zelekha A Seedat
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Young Epilepsy, St Pier's Lane, Dormansland, Lingfield, RH7 6PW, UK
| | - Anna C Whittaker
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Agatha Lenartowicz
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Karen J Mullinger
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
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Voegtle A, Reichert C, Hinrichs H, Sweeney-Reed CM. Repetitive Anodal TDCS to the Frontal Cortex Increases the P300 during Working Memory Processing. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1545. [PMID: 36421869 PMCID: PMC9688092 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a technique with which neuronal activity, and therefore potentially behavior, is modulated by applying weak electrical currents to the scalp. Application of TDCS to enhance working memory (WM) has shown promising but also contradictory results, and little emphasis has been placed on repeated stimulation protocols, in which effects are expected to be increased. We aimed to characterize potential behavioral and electrophysiological changes induced by TDCS during WM training and evaluate whether repetitive anodal TDCS has a greater modulatory impact on the processes underpinning WM than single-session stimulation. We examined the effects of single-session and repetitive anodal TDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), targeting the frontal-parietal network, during a WM task in 20 healthy participants. TDCS had no significant impact on behavioral measures, including reaction time and accuracy. Analyzing the electrophysiological response, the P300 amplitude significantly increased following repetitive anodal TDCS, however, positively correlating with task performance. P300 changes were identified over the parietal cortex, which is known to engage with the frontal cortex during WM processing. These findings support the hypothesis that repetitive anodal TDCS modulates electrophysiological processes underlying WM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Voegtle
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Reichert
- Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences—CBBS, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Hinrichs
- Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences—CBBS, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Catherine M. Sweeney-Reed
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences—CBBS, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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13
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Cao J, Garro EM, Zhao Y. EEG/fNIRS Based Workload Classification Using Functional Brain Connectivity and Machine Learning. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:s22197623. [PMID: 36236725 PMCID: PMC9571712 DOI: 10.3390/s22197623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
There is high demand for techniques to estimate human mental workload during some activities for productivity enhancement or accident prevention. Most studies focus on a single physiological sensing modality and use univariate methods to analyse multi-channel electroencephalography (EEG) data. This paper proposes a new framework that relies on the features of hybrid EEG-functional near-infrared spectroscopy (EEG-fNIRS), supported by machine-learning features to deal with multi-level mental workload classification. Furthermore, instead of the well-used univariate power spectral density (PSD) for EEG recording, we propose using bivariate functional brain connectivity (FBC) features in the time and frequency domains of three bands: delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-7 Hz) and alpha (8-15 Hz). With the assistance of the fNIRS oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin (HbO and HbR) indicators, the FBC technique significantly improved classification performance at a 77% accuracy for 0-back vs. 2-back and 83% for 0-back vs. 3-back using a public dataset. Moreover, topographic and heat-map visualisation indicated that the distinguishing regions for EEG and fNIRS showed a difference among the 0-back, 2-back and 3-back test results. It was determined that the best region to assist the discrimination of the mental workload for EEG and fNIRS is different. Specifically, the posterior area performed the best for the posterior midline occipital (POz) EEG in the alpha band and fNIRS had superiority in the right frontal region (AF8).
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Inguscio BMS, Cartocci G, Sciaraffa N, Nicastri M, Giallini I, Greco A, Babiloni F, Mancini P. Gamma-Band Modulation in Parietal Area as the Electroencephalographic Signature for Performance in Auditory-Verbal Working Memory: An Exploratory Pilot Study in Hearing and Unilateral Cochlear Implant Children. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1291. [PMID: 36291225 PMCID: PMC9599211 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This pilot study investigates the neurophysiological patterns of visual and auditory verbal working memory (VWM) in unilateral cochlear implant users (UCIs). We compared the task-related electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral density of 7- to 13-year-old UCIs (n = 7) with a hearing control group (HC, n = 10) during the execution of a three-level n-back task with auditory and visual verbal (letters) stimuli. Performances improved as memory load decreased regardless of sensory modality (SM) and group factors. Theta EEG activation over the frontal area was proportionally influenced by task level; the left hemisphere (LH) showed greater activation in the gamma band, suggesting lateralization of VWM function regardless of SM. However, HCs showed stronger activation patterns in the LH than UCIs regardless of SM and in the parietal area (PA) during the most challenging audio condition. Linear regressions for gamma activation in the PA suggest the presence of a pattern-supporting auditory VWM only in HCs. Our findings seem to recognize gamma activation in the PA as the signature of effective auditory VWM. These results, although preliminary, highlight this EEG pattern as a possible cause of the variability found in VWM outcomes in deaf children, opening up new possibilities for interdisciplinary research and rehabilitation intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Serena Inguscio
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cartocci
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Nicastri
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giallini
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Babiloni
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Liu X, Li F, Song W. Impact of cognition on test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of n-back for Chinese stroke patients. Appl Neuropsychol Adult 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36152340 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2121211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was the measurement of the test-retest reliability of n-back in Chinese stroke patients. METHODS Seventy-five sub-acute stroke patients performed n-back twice in three days. The test-retest reliability of n-back was analyzed by correlation coefficient. RESULTS The n-back had excellent test-retest reliability in stroke patients. Pearson or Spearman coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.88. The intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.72 to 0.87. The Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-BC) score was significantly correlated with the performance of n-back. MoCA-BC and n-back accuracy were significantly related in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) group (r = 0.60 in 1-back, p = .002; r = 0.43 in 2-back, p = .040). However, MoCA-BC was correlated with reaction time (RT) in the Cognitively Normal (CN) group (r = -0.44 in 1-back, p = .003; r = -0.36 in 2-back, p = .018). The test-retest reliability of CN group was mostly higher than that of MCI group RT: 0.71-0.76 in MCI, 0.80-0.88 in CN; accuracy: 0.80-0.85 in MCI, 0.75-0.86 in CN). The practice effect was observed in the CN group instead of the MCI group. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the test-retest reliability of n-back was high in stroke patients. N-back was correlated with cognition. It was preferable to conduct subgroup analyses according to the level of cognitive assessment of patients with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiqun Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Esbrí SF, Tirado AS, Sanchis-Segura C, Forn C. Possible evidence of near transfer effects after adaptive working memory training in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 67:104182. [PMID: 36155966 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits, especially in working memory (WM) and information processing (IP) efficiency, are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Few studies have examined the efficacy of n-back training in improving these two cognitive functions in PwMS. In the present study, we examined the effects of an intensive n-back training program by measuring the gains on the trained task (2- and 3-back tasks), but we also studied possible near transfer effects to other tests that assess WM and IP, as well as far transfer effects or improvements in other cognitive functions. METHODS A sample consisting of 35 PwMS with different cognitive statuses. All the participants underwent an adaptive n-back training for 10 days (60 min/day), and they were neuropsychologically assessed at baseline (D1) and after training (D10). The effectiveness of the training was tested: (1) by using mean-based comparisons and Cohen's d values; (2) by estimating and comparing the quartile values of the D1 and D10 distributions. Two indexes of improvement in individual performance were calculated, the net score improvement index (NSI) and the percent of maximum possible individualized improvement (PMPI). RESULTS Repeat practice improves 2- and 3-back performance, showing more correct responses (CR) and lower reaction times (RT) on D10 compared to D1. These results were corroborated by the NSI and PMPI scores, but the gains after training were more statistically significant for the 3-back (observing higher CR and lower RT after training) than for the 2-back (observing gains in CR, but not in RT). We also observed a possible transference of this improvement on the n-back task to other WM/IPS tests. Specifically, statistically significant pre-post training differences were found in the values in three quartiles of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT; q25, p < 0.03; q50, p < 0.001; q75, p < 0.002) and of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT; q25, p < 0.03; q50, p < 0.001; q75, p < 0.001) as well as in two quartiles of the Letter-Number Sequencing Task (LNST; q50, p < 0.004; q75 p < 0.001), and in one quartile of the Digit Backwards Span Test (DSBT; q75, p < 0.001). Reliable change analyses confirmed these performance improvements on the PASAT, SDMT, and LNST. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the intensive and adaptive n-back training produced improvements in the trained task in PwMS with different cognitive statuses. Furthermore, these gains were not only observed on the trained task, but they seemed to be also transferred to other tests that measured WM and IP functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Félix Esbrí
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Alba Sebastián Tirado
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Carla Sanchis-Segura
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Cristina Forn
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain.
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Zapała D, Augustynowicz P, Tokovarov M. Recognition of Attentional States in VR Environment: An fNIRS Study. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:s22093133. [PMID: 35590823 PMCID: PMC9104032 DOI: 10.3390/s22093133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
An improvement in ecological validity is one of the significant challenges for 21st-century neuroscience. At the same time, the study of neurocognitive processes in real-life situations requires good control of all variables relevant to the results. One possible solution that combines the capability of creating realistic experimental scenarios with adequate control of the test environment is virtual reality. Our goal was to develop an integrative research workspace involving a CW-fNIRS and head-mounted-display (HMD) technology dedicated to offline and online cognitive experiments. We designed an experimental study in a repeated-measures model on a group of BCI-naïve participants to verify our assumptions. The procedure included a 3D environment-adapted variant of the classic n-back task (2-back version). Tasks were divided into offline (calibration) and online (feedback) sessions. In both sessions, the signal was recorded during the cognitive task for within-group comparisons of changes in oxy-Hb concentration in the regions of interest (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-DLPFC and middle frontal gyrus-MFG). In the online session, the recorded signal changes were translated into real-time feedback. We hypothesized that it would be possible to obtain significantly higher than the level-of-chance threshold classification accuracy for the enhanced attention engagement (2-back task) vs. relaxed state in both conditions. Additionally, we measured participants' subjective experiences of the BCI control in terms of satisfaction. Our results confirmed hypotheses regarding the offline condition. In accordance with the hypotheses, combining fNIRS and HMD technologies enables the effective transfer of experimental cognitive procedures to a controlled VR environment. This opens the new possibility of creating more ecologically valid studies and training procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Zapała
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
- Cortivision sp. z o.o., 20-803 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-668-548-184
| | - Paweł Augustynowicz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
- Cortivision sp. z o.o., 20-803 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mikhail Tokovarov
- Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland;
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Ripp I, Wu Q, Wallenwein L, Emch M, Yakushev I, Koch K. Neuronal efficiency following n-back training task is accompanied by a higher cerebral glucose metabolism. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119095. [PMID: 35304266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies revealed lower neural activation during processing of an n-back task following working memory training, indicating a training-related increase in neural efficiency. In the present study, we asked if the training induced regional neural activation is accompanied by changes in glucose consumption. An active control and an experimental group of healthy middle-aged volunteers conducted 32 sessions of visual and verbal n-back trainings over 8 weeks. We analyzed data of 52 subjects (25 experimental and 27 control group) for practice effects underlying verbal working memory task and 50 subjects (24 experimental and 26 control group) for practice effects underlying visual WM task. The samples of these two tasks were nearly identical (data of 47 subjects were available for both verbal and visual tasks). Both groups completed neuroimaging sessions at a hybrid PET/MR system before and after training. Each session included criterion task fMRI and resting state positron emission tomography with FDG (FDG-PET). As reported previously, lower neural activation following n-back training was found in regions of the fronto-parieto-cerebellar circuitry during a verbal n-back task. Notably, these changes co-occurred spatially with a higher relative FDG-uptake. Decreased neural activation within regions of the fronto-parietal network during visual n-back task did not show co-occurring changes in relative FDG-uptake. There was no direct association between neuroimaging and behavioral measures, which could be due to the inter-subjects' variability in reaching capacity limits. Our findings provide new details for working memory training induced neural efficiency on a molecular level by integrating FDG-PET and fMRI measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Ripp
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Institute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
| | - Lara Wallenwein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mónica Emch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
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Samrani G, Persson J. Automatic and effortful control of interference in working memory can be distinguished by unique behavioral and functional brain representations. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119098. [PMID: 35301129 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal-irrelevant information in working memory (WM) may enter the focus of attention (FOA) during a task and cause proactive interference (PI). In the current study we used fMRI to test several hypotheses concerning the boundary conditions of PI in WM using a modified verbal 2-back task. Temporal distance between item and lure presentation was manipulated to evaluate potential differences among hypothesized states of FOA, short-term memory and long-term memory. PI was present for the most proximal 3-back lures but dissipated with lure distance along with increased activation in brain regions critical for memory recollection, such as right prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and hippocampus. Reduced PI and less IFG activation were also observed after repeated item presentation, supporting the notion that a rehearsed encoding of item-context information reduces the need for interference control. Moreover, a trial-by-trial approach revealed activity in ACC, insula, IFG, and parietal cortex with increasing lure trial interference regardless of distance. The current results are first evidence for an observable transition of cognitive control, to include MTL regions involved in recalling task-relevant information from outside the FOA when resolving PI in WM.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Samrani
- Aging Research Center (ARC), Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Umeå Center of Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Sweden.
| | - Jonas Persson
- Aging Research Center (ARC), Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Life-Span Developmental Research (LEADER), Department of Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
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Forsyth AEM, McMillan R, Dukart J, Hipp JF, Muthukumaraswamy SD. Effects of Ketamine and Midazolam on Simultaneous EEG/fMRI Data During Working Memory Processes. Brain Topogr 2021; 34:863-80. [PMID: 34642836 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-021-00876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Reliable measures of cognitive brain activity from functional neuroimaging techniques may provide early indications of efficacy in clinical trials. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography provide complementary spatiotemporal information and simultaneous recording of these two modalities can remove inter-session drug response and environment variability. We sought to assess the effects of ketamine and midazolam on simultaneous electrophysiological and hemodynamic recordings during working memory (WM) processes. Thirty participants were included in a placebo-controlled, three-way crossover design with ketamine and midazolam. Compared to placebo, ketamine administration attenuated theta power increases and alpha power decreases and midazolam attenuated low beta band decreases to increasing WM load. Additionally, ketamine caused larger blood-oxygen-dependent (BOLD) signal increases in the supplementary motor area and angular gyrus, and weaker deactivations of the default mode network (DMN), whereas no difference was found between midazolam and placebo. Ketamine administration caused positive temporal correlations between frontal-midline theta (fm-theta) power and the BOLD signal to disappear and attenuated negative correlations. However, the relationship between fm-theta and the BOLD signal from DMN areas was maintained in some participants during ketamine administration, as increasing theta strength was associated with stronger BOLD signal reductions in these areas. The presence of, and ability to manipulate, both positive and negative associations between the BOLD signal and fm-theta suggest the presence of multiple fm-theta components involved in WM processes, with ketamine administration disrupting one or more of these theta-linked WM strategies.
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Steffener J, Al Aïn S, Frasnelli J. Quantifying neural efficiency and neural capacity across the brain during a working memory task using a quadratic model of neural-cognitive relationships. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:7176-7192. [PMID: 34555233 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroimaging for the study of cognitive neuroscience provides insight into how the brain responds to increasing cognitive demands. Theoretical models of neural-cognitive relationships define neural efficiency and neural capacity as two parameters to describe the rate of gain of brain activity and the upper limits of the increases, respectively. Although qualitatively well described, there are limited discussions and demonstrations of estimating these parameters from data. The current work presents a method using a quadratic equation model of cognitive demands. The methods were applied to 21 healthy young adults while engaging in four levels of the verbal n-back working memory task (0, 1, 2 and 3-back). Measures of the area under the curve captured both linear and curvilinear responses to quantify the locations and amounts of task-related increases in brain activity. In addition, we calculated voxel-wise maps of neural efficiency and neural capacity. Results showed increases in brain activation in regions typically involved in working memory. The relationships between increasing cognitive demands and brain activity also differed across the brain within and between individuals, as indicated by differential neural efficiency and neural capacity values. This approach provides tools for evaluating current theories about the relationships between brain activity and cognition. Neural efficiency and neural capacity provide physiological measures of brain activity, which will help evaluate how age, disease and intervention processes affect brain activity. Finally, all presented methods are readily applicable using standard current software packages for neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Steffener
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Syrina Al Aïn
- Department of Anatomy, University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Johannes Frasnelli
- Department of Anatomy, University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
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22
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Yapici-Eser H, Yalcinay-Inan M, Kucuker MU, Kilciksiz CM, Yilmaz S, Dincer N, Kilic O, Ercan AC, Aydemir O. Subjective cognitive assessments and N-back are not correlated, and they are differentially affected by anxiety and depression. Appl Neuropsychol Adult 2021:1-11. [PMID: 34505812 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1969400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive function (CF) is a core feature related to all psychiatric disorders. However, self-report scales of CF (SRSC) may not always correlate with CF's objective measures and may have different mediators. Tools to select for evaluating CF in diverse psychiatric populations and their determinants need to be studied. In this study, we aimed to assess the association of SRSC (Perceived Deficit Questionnaire-Depression (PDQ-D), and World Health Organization's Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and its inattentiveness subscale) with Letter-N-back as an objective measure of CF, and to analyze their association with psychopathology. Two hundred nine (131 nonclinical, and 78 clinical with a psychiatric diagnosis of ICD10 F31-39 [mood disorders excluding Bipolar I] or F40-F49 [neurotic, stress-related or psychosomatic disorder] categories) participants were evaluated with PDQ-D, ASRS, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and N-back. Both groups' data were included in the analysis. PDQ-D showed a small correlation with N-back scores, whereas ASRS showed no correlation. PDQ-D and ASRS showed a large correlation. Age and BAI scores significantly predicted both PDQ-D and ASRS, whereas the cognitive subscale of BDI predicted PDQ-D, but not ASRS. Only BAI scores predicted N-back results. The mediation model revealed that 2-back scores of N-back task directly affects PDQ-D scores, independent of BDI scores. However, the cognitive subscale of BDI moderated 2-back and PDQ-D association. On the contrary, BAI scores significantly mediated the association of 2-back scores with PDQ-D. The direct effect of 2-back scores in PDQ-D was insignificant in the mediation of BAI scores. Our study validates the discordance between SRSC and an objective measurement of CF. Anxiety may affect both self-report and objective measurement of CF, whereas depressive thought content may lead to higher cognitive dysfunction reports in nondemented participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Yapici-Eser
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Sezen Yilmaz
- School of Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Neris Dincer
- School of Medicine, Koç University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Kilic
- Department of Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Omer Aydemir
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
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23
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Abstract
Several studies have reported that cognitive training can lead to improvements of complex mental skills such as intelligence. However, attempts to replicate these findings have not been very successful with many studies reporting lack of transferable effects on cognitive processes unrelated to the training task. On the contrary, transfer effects on cognitive processes closely related to the training task have been more commonly reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of a frequently used working-memory training programme on fluid intelligence and specific executive functions (updating, inhibition, switching, the focus of attention, and sustained attention). We remedied common issues with previous training studies by using an active control group, using more than one instrument to assess each function, and including a larger sample size. The experimental group showed significant improvement in the training task, indicating strong practice effects. However, no evidence of training-specific transfer was found in any of the variables investigated, and we could not find any of the previous improvements reported. Participants in both the training and control groups showed post-training improvements in most of the outcome variables, suggesting that practice effects can be found even when a task is only performed twice. We conclude by discussing possible explanations for the differences between our results and those reported in prior studies and recommend that any claims of improvement should be supported by studies capable of replicating them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Rodas
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Faculty of Psychology, University of Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ciara M Greene
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Aksoy M, Ufodiama CE, Bateson AD, Martin S, Asghar AUR. A comparative experimental study of visual brain event-related potentials to a working memory task: virtual reality head-mounted display versus a desktop computer screen. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:3007-3022. [PMID: 34347129 PMCID: PMC8536609 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Virtual reality head mounted display (VR HMD) systems are increasingly utilised in combination with electroencephalography (EEG) in the experimental study of cognitive tasks. The aim of our investigation was to determine the similarities/differences between VR HMD and the computer screen (CS) in response to an n-back working memory task by comparing visual electrophysiological event-related potential (ERP) waveforms (N1/P1/P3 components). The same protocol was undertaken for VR HMD and CS with participants wearing the same EEG headcap. ERP waveforms obtained with the VR HMD environment followed a similar time course to those acquired in CS. The P3 mean and peak amplitudes obtained in VR HMD were not significantly different to those obtained in CS. In contrast, the N1 component was significantly higher in mean and peak amplitudes for the VR HMD environment compared to CS at the frontal electrodes. Significantly higher P1 mean and peak amplitudes were found at the occipital region compared to the temporal for VR HMD. Our results show that successful acquisition of ERP components to a working memory task is achievable by combining VR HMD with EEG. In addition, the higher amplitude N1/P1 components seen in VR HMD indicates the potential utility of this VR modality in the investigation of early ERPs. In conclusion, the combination of VR HMD with EEG/ERP would be a useful approach to advance the study of cognitive function in experimental brain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Aksoy
- Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Chiedu E Ufodiama
- Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Anthony D Bateson
- Department of Engineering, Faculty Science and Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Stewart Martin
- School of Education and Social Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Aziz U R Asghar
- Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
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25
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Yeung MK, Lee TL, Han YMY, Chan AS. Prefrontal activation and pupil dilation during n-back task performance: A combined fNIRS and pupillometry study. Neuropsychologia 2021; 159:107954. [PMID: 34252415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The n-back task is one of the most commonly used working memory (WM) paradigms in cognitive neuroscience. Converging evidence suggests activation in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and pupil dilation [a proxy for locus coeruleus (LC) activation] during this task. However, it remains unclear whether the lateral PFC and the LC are functionally associated during n-back task performance. This study's aim was to examine the relationship between changes in lateral PFC activity and the pupil diameter and to evaluate the effect of WM load on such relationship during the n-back task. Thirty-nine healthy young adults (10 males, 29 females) underwent a number n-back paradigm with 0- and 3-back conditions. Their prefrontal hemodynamics and changes in pupil size during task performance were simultaneously measured using a 16-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device and a wearable eye tracker. Young adults exhibited significant activation in the bilateral lateral PFC and significant increases in pupil size when the WM load was high (i.e., 3-back) but not low (i.e., 0-back) compared with the resting period. Interestingly, significant positive correlations were found between changes in lateral PFC activity and pupil size during the 0-back task only. These correlations tended to be stronger during the 0-back than the 3-back condition. Thus, the functional relationship between the lateral PFC and the LC may vary at different load levels during the n-back task. Our findings have important implications for neuropsychiatric research and support concurrent fNIRS and pupillometric measurements for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying WM processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Yeung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz L Lee
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yvonne M Y Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Agnes S Chan
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China; Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-being, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China.
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26
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Andin J, Holmer E, Schönström K, Rudner M. Working Memory for Signs with Poor Visual Resolution: fMRI Evidence of Reorganization of Auditory Cortex in Deaf Signers. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3165-3176. [PMID: 33625498 PMCID: PMC8196262 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulus degradation adds to working memory load during speech processing. We investigated whether this applies to sign processing and, if so, whether the mechanism implicates secondary auditory cortex. We conducted an fMRI experiment where 16 deaf early signers (DES) and 22 hearing non-signers performed a sign-based n-back task with three load levels and stimuli presented at high and low resolution. We found decreased behavioral performance with increasing load and decreasing visual resolution, but the neurobiological mechanisms involved differed between the two manipulations and did so for both groups. Importantly, while the load manipulation was, as predicted, accompanied by activation in the frontoparietal working memory network, the resolution manipulation resulted in temporal and occipital activation. Furthermore, we found evidence of cross-modal reorganization in the secondary auditory cortex: DES had stronger activation and stronger connectivity between this and several other regions. We conclude that load and stimulus resolution have different neural underpinnings in the visual–verbal domain, which has consequences for current working memory models, and that for DES the secondary auditory cortex is involved in the binding of representations when task demands are low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Andin
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linnaeus Centre HEAD, Sweden
| | - Emil Holmer
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linnaeus Centre HEAD, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Mary Rudner
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linnaeus Centre HEAD, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping, Sweden
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27
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He X, Li X, Fu J, Xu J, Liu H, Zhang P, Li W, Yu C, Ye Z, Qin W. The morphometry of left cuneus mediating the genetic regulation on working memory. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:3470-3480. [PMID: 33939221 PMCID: PMC8249898 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory is a basic human cognitive function. However, the genetic signatures and their biological pathway remain poorly understood. In the present study, we tried to clarify this issue by exploring the potential associations and pathways among genetic variants, brain morphometry and working memory performance. We first carried out association analyses between 2‐back accuracy and 212 image‐derived phenotypes from 1141 Human Connectome Project (HCP) subjects using a linear mixed model (LMM). We found a significantly positive correlation between the left cuneus volume and 2‐back accuracy (T = 3.615, p = 3.150e−4, Cohen's d = 0.226, corrected using family‐wise error [FWE] method). Based on the LMM‐based genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on the HCP dataset and UK Biobank 33 k GWAS summary statistics, we identified eight independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were reliably associated with left cuneus volume in both UKB and HCP dataset. Within the eight SNPs, we found a negative correlation between the rs76119478 polymorphism and 2‐back accuracy accuracy (T = −2.045, p = .041, Cohen's d = −0.129). Finally, an LMM‐based mediation analysis elucidated a significant effect of left cuneus volume in mediating rs76119478 polymorphism on the 2‐back accuracy (indirect effect = −0.007, 95% BCa CI = [−0.045, −0.003]). These results were also replicated in a subgroup of Caucasians in the HCP population. Further fine mapping demonstrated that rs76119478 maps on intergene CTD‐2315A10.2 adjacent to protein‐encoding gene DAAM1, and is significantly associated with L3HYPDH mRNA expression. Our study suggested this new variant rs76119478 may regulate the working memory through exerting influence on the left cuneus volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi He
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jilian Fu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiayuan Xu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaigui Liu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Ye
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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28
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Gimbel SI, Ettenhofer ML, Cordero E, Roy M, Chan L. Brain bases of recovery following cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury: a preliminary study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:410-420. [PMID: 32328915 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00269-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have persistent cognitive deficits, including decreased attention and working memory. This preliminary study examined fMRI data from a clinical trial implementing a 4-week virtual reality driving intervention to assess how sustained training can improve deficits related to traumatic brain injury. Previously-reported behavioral findings showed improvements in working memory and processing speed in those who received the intervention; this report explores the brain bases of these effects by comparing neural activity related to working memory (n-back task) and resting state connectivity before and after the intervention. In the baseline visit (n = 24), working memory activity was prominent in bilateral DLPFC and prefrontal cortex, anterior insula, medial superior frontal gyrus, left thalamus, bilateral supramarginal / angular gyrus, precuneus, and left posterior middle temporal gyrus. Following intervention, participants showed less global activation on the n-back task, with regions of activity only in the bilateral middle frontal cortex, posterior middle frontal gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus. Activity related to working memory load was reduced for the group that went through the intervention (n = 7) compared to the waitlist control group (n = 4). These results suggest that successful cognitive rehabilitation of working memory in TBI may be associated with increased efficiency of brain networks, evidenced by reduced activation of brain activity during cognitive processing. These results highlight the importance of examining brain activity related to cognitive rehabilitation of attention and working memory after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I Gimbel
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34730 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 7700 Arlington Blvd Suite 5101, Falls Church, VA, 22041, USA
| | - Mark L Ettenhofer
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34730 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134, USA.
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 7700 Arlington Blvd Suite 5101, Falls Church, VA, 22041, USA.
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, 12725 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Evelyn Cordero
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34730 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Michael Roy
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, 12725 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Leighton Chan
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, 12725 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
- National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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29
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Costers L, Van Schependom J, Laton J, Baijot J, Sjøgård M, Wens V, De Tiège X, Goldman S, D'Haeseleer M, D'hooghe MB, Woolrich M, Nagels G. The role of hippocampal theta oscillations in working memory impairment in multiple sclerosis. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:1376-1390. [PMID: 33247542 PMCID: PMC7927306 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) problems are frequently present in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Even though hippocampal damage has been repeatedly shown to play an important role, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of WM impairment in MS using magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from a visual-verbal 2-back task. We analysed MEG recordings of 79 MS patients and 38 healthy subjects through event-related fields and theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) oscillatory processes. Data was source reconstructed and parcellated based on previous findings in the healthy subject sample. MS patients showed a smaller maximum theta power increase in the right hippocampus between 0 and 400 ms than healthy subjects (p = .014). This theta power increase value correlated negatively with reaction time on the task in MS (r = -.32, p = .029). Evidence was provided that this relationship could not be explained by a 'common cause' confounding relationship with MS-related neuronal damage. This study provides the first neurophysiological evidence of the influence of hippocampal dysfunction on WM performance in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Costers
- AIMS Lab, Center For NeurosciencesUZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
| | - Jeroen Van Schependom
- AIMS Lab, Center For NeurosciencesUZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
- Departement of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO)Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
- Departement of RadiologyUZ BrusselBrusselBelgium
| | - Jorne Laton
- AIMS Lab, Center For NeurosciencesUZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Johan Baijot
- AIMS Lab, Center For NeurosciencesUZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
| | - Martin Sjøgård
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC)UNI—ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BruxellesBelgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC)UNI—ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BruxellesBelgium
- Magnetoencephalography Unit, Department of Functional Neuroimaging, Service of Nuclear MedicineCUB‐Hôpital ErasmeBruxellesBelgium
| | - Xavier De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC)UNI—ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BruxellesBelgium
- Magnetoencephalography Unit, Department of Functional Neuroimaging, Service of Nuclear MedicineCUB‐Hôpital ErasmeBruxellesBelgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC)UNI—ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BruxellesBelgium
- Magnetoencephalography Unit, Department of Functional Neuroimaging, Service of Nuclear MedicineCUB‐Hôpital ErasmeBruxellesBelgium
| | - Miguel D'Haeseleer
- Department of NeurologyNational MS Center MelsbroekMelsbroekBelgium
- Department of NeurologyUZ BrusselsBruxellesBelgium
| | - Marie Beatrice D'hooghe
- Department of NeurologyNational MS Center MelsbroekMelsbroekBelgium
- Department of NeurologyUZ BrusselsBruxellesBelgium
| | - Mark Woolrich
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA)University of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford University Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB)University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Guy Nagels
- AIMS Lab, Center For NeurosciencesUZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselBelgium
- Department of NeurologyUZ BrusselsBruxellesBelgium
- St Edmund HallUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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30
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Zhu R, Luo Y, Wang Z, You X. Within-session repeated transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex enhances spatial working memory. Cogn Neurosci 2021; 13:26-37. [PMID: 33739230 DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2021.1877648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spatial working memory (SWM) is an essential cognitive ability that supports complex tasks, but its capacity is limited. Studies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown potential benefits for SWM performance. Recent studies have shown that repeated short applications of tDCS affected corticospinal excitability. Moreover, neuroimaging studies have indicated that the pattern of neural activity measured in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) tracks SWM ability. It is unknown whether repeated tDCS can enhance SWM and whether varied tDCS protocols (single 10 min tDCS, 10 min tDCS-5 min break-10 min tDCS, 10 min tDCS-20 min break-10 min tDCS) over the right PPC have different effects on SWM. The current study investigated whether offline single-session and repeated tDCS over the right PPC affects SWM updating, as measured by spatial 2-back and 3-back tasks. The results showed that stimulating the right PPC with repeated 10 min anodal tDCS significantly improved the response speed of the spatial 2-back task relative to single-session tDCS. Repeated 10 min tDCS with a longer interval (i.e. inter-stimulation interval of 20 min) enhanced the response speed of the spatial 3-back task. Altogether these findings provide causal evidence that suggests that the right PPC plays an important role in SWM. Furthermore, repeated tDCS with longer intervals may be a promising intervention for improving SWM-related function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience of Shaanxi Province, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yangmei Luo
- Key Laboratory for Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience of Shaanxi Province, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience of Shaanxi Province, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuqun You
- Key Laboratory for Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience of Shaanxi Province, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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31
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Wu Q, Ripp I, Emch M, Koch K. Cortical and subcortical responsiveness to intensive adaptive working memory training: An MRI surface-based analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:2907-2920. [PMID: 33724600 PMCID: PMC8127158 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory training (WMT) has been shown to have effects on cognitive performance, the precise effects and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are, however, still a matter of debate. In particular, the impact of WMT on gray matter morphology is still rather unclear. In the present study, 59 healthy middle‐aged participants (age range 50–65 years) were pseudo‐randomly single‐blinded allocated to an 8‐week adaptive WMT or an 8‐week nonadaptive intervention. Before and after the intervention, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and cognitive test performance was assessed in all participants. Vertex‐wise cortical volume, thickness, surface area, and cortical folding was calculated. Seven subcortical volumes of interest and global mean cortical thickness were also measured. Comparisons of symmetrized percent change (SPC) between groups were conducted to identify group by time interactions. Greater increases in cortical gyrification in bilateral parietal regions, including superior parietal cortex and inferior parietal lobule as well as precuneus, greater increases in cortical volume and thickness in bilateral primary motor cortex, and changes in surface area in bilateral occipital cortex (medial and lateral occipital cortex) were detected in WMT group after training compared to active controls. Structural training‐induced changes in WM‐related regions, especially parietal regions, might provide a better brain processing environment for higher WM load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- TUM‐Neuroimaging Center (TUM‐NIC)Technical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Institute of Medical PsychologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Isabelle Ripp
- TUM‐Neuroimaging Center (TUM‐NIC)Technical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic NeurosciencesLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMartinsriedGermany
| | - Mónica Emch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- TUM‐Neuroimaging Center (TUM‐NIC)Technical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic NeurosciencesLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMartinsriedGermany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- TUM‐Neuroimaging Center (TUM‐NIC)Technical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic NeurosciencesLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMartinsriedGermany
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Yeung MK, Lee TL, Chan AS. Negative mood is associated with decreased prefrontal cortex functioning during working memory in young adults. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13802. [PMID: 33665829 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal-subcortical model of emotion regulation postulates that decreased prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning may underlie the emergence of clinical affective disorders. In addition, accumulated evidence suggests that there is considerable variability in negative affect in the nonclinical population. This study examined whether negative affective symptoms were associated with decreased PFC functioning in nonclinical young adults. Forty college students aged 18-24 years (ten males) underwent an n-back paradigm (i.e., a frontal executive task) with a working memory (WM) load (i.e., 3-back) and a vigilance control condition (i.e., 0-back) while their hemodynamics changes in the lateral and medial PFC on both sides were monitored using a 16-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. They also filled out the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) to estimate the levels of their negative emotions in the preceding week. Young adults exhibited an increased concentration of oxyhemoglobin and a decreased concentration of deoxyhemoglobin (i.e., activation), primarily in the lateral PFC, in response to the WM load (i.e., 3-back > 0-back). Importantly, higher DASS scores indicating higher levels of recent negative mood, especially depression and stress rather than anxiety symptoms, correlated with lower WM-related activation in the lateral PFC. Thus, recent negative mood is associated with decreased lateral PFC functioning during the executive control of WM in healthy young adults. Our findings suggest that decreased PFC functioning is also present in the nonclinical population with increased levels of negative mood and that fNIRS is a promising tool for elucidating individual differences in negative affective symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Yeung
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz L Lee
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Agnes S Chan
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Pongpipat EE, Kennedy KM, Foster CM, Boylan MA, Rodrigue KM. Functional Connectivity Within and Between n-Back Modulated Regions: An Adult Lifespan Psychophysiological Interaction Investigation. Brain Connect 2021; 11:103-118. [PMID: 33317393 PMCID: PMC7984940 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Working memory (WM) and its blood-oxygen-level-dependent-related parametric modulation under load decrease with age. Functional connectivity (FC) generally increases with WM load; however, how aging impacts connectivity and whether this is load-dependent, region-dependent, or associated with cognitive performance is unclear. Methods: This study examines these questions in 170 healthy adults (meanage = 52.99 ± 19.18) who completed functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning during an n-back task (0-, 2-, 3-, and 4-back). The FC was estimated by utilizing a modified generalized psychophysiological interaction approach with seeds from fronto-parietal (FP) and default mode (DM) regions that modulated to n-back difficulty. The FC analyses focused on both connectivity during WM engagement (task vs. control) and connectivity in response to increased WM load (linear slope across conditions). Each analysis utilized within- and between-region FC, predicted by age (linear or quadratic), and its associations with in- and out-of-scanner task performance. Results: Engaging in WM either generally (task vs. control) or as a function of difficulty strengthened integration within- and between-FP and DM regions. Notably, these task-sensitive functional connections were robust to the effects of age. Stronger negative FC between FP and DM regions was also associated with better WM performance in an age-dependent manner, occurring selectively in middle-aged and older adults. Discussion: These results suggest that FC is critical for engaging in cognitively demanding tasks, and its lack of sensitivity to healthy aging may provide a means to maintain cognition across the adult lifespan. Thus, this study highlights the contribution of maintenance in brain function to support working memory processing with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekarin E. Pongpipat
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kristen M. Kennedy
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Chris M. Foster
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Maria A. Boylan
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Karen M. Rodrigue
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Semprini M, Bonassi G, Barban F, Pelosin E, Iandolo R, Chiappalone M, Mantini D, Avanzino L. Modulation of neural oscillations during working memory update, maintenance, and readout: An hdEEG study. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:1153-1166. [PMID: 33200500 PMCID: PMC7856639 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) performance is very often measured using the n‐back task, in which the participant is presented with a sequence of stimuli, and required to indicate whether the current stimulus matches the one presented n steps earlier. In this study, we used high‐density electroencephalography (hdEEG) coupled to source localization to obtain information on spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of neural oscillations associated with WM update, maintenance and readout. Specifically, we a priori selected regions from a large fronto‐parietal network, including also the insula and the cerebellum, and we analyzed modulation of neural oscillations by event‐related desynchronization and synchronization (ERD/ERS). During update and readout, we found larger θ ERS and smaller β ERS respect to maintenance in all the selected areas. γLOW and γHIGH bands oscillations decreased in the frontal and insular cortices of the left hemisphere. In the maintenance phase we observed decreased θ oscillations and increased β oscillations (ERS) in most of the selected posterior areas and focally increased oscillations in γLOW and γHIGH bands in the frontal and insular cortices of the left hemisphere. Finally, during WM readout, we also found a focal modulation of the γLOW band in the left fusiform cortex and cerebellum, depending on the response trial type (true positive vs. true negative). Overall, our study demonstrated specific spectral signatures associated with updating of memory information, WM maintenance, and readout, with relatively high spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Bonassi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Barban
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Pelosin
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Iandolo
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Dante Mantini
- Research Center for Motor Control and Neuroplasticity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Brain Imaging and Neural Dynamics Research Group, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Laura Avanzino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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35
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Pelegrina S, Molina R, Rodríguez-Martínez EI, Linares R, Gómez CM. Age-related changes in selection, recognition, updating and maintenance information in WM. An ERP study in children and adolescents. Biol Psychol 2020; 157:107977. [PMID: 33159983 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Possible age-related changes in different working memory (WM) subcomponents were assessed by analyzing the event-related-potentials associated with the n-back task. Two versions of the task (0- and 1-back) were administered to 168 subjects between 6 and 20 years of age. In both n-back tasks, lists of symbol-letter pairs were presented. Participants had to select the letter and decide whether it matched the target in memory. Selection-matching of the relevant item, as indexed by an N2pc component, was evident in all age groups, indicating early maturation of this ability. The decreasing amplitude of the P300 with age, coupled with the longer duration of the load effect in young children, suggests that WM updating requires greater processing resources at younger ages. The slow wave, present during the maintenance period, showed an inversion of polarity with age in anterior sites that could reflect age-related changes in the active maintenance of information in WM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Molina
- University of Jaén, Department of Psychology, Jaén, Spain
| | | | - Rocío Linares
- University of Jaén, Department of Psychology, Jaén, Spain
| | - Carlos M Gómez
- University of Sevilla, Experimental Psychology Department, Human Psychobiology Lab., Sevilla, Spain
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36
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Berglund-Barraza A, Tian F, Basak C, Hart J, Evans JL. Tracking Changes in Frontal Lobe Hemodynamic Response in Individual Adults With Developmental Language Disorder Following HD tDCS Enhanced Phonological Working Memory Training: An fNIRS Feasibility Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:362. [PMID: 33132869 PMCID: PMC7511756 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Current research suggests a neurobiological marker of developmental language disorder (DLD) in adolescents and young adults may be an atypical neural profile coupled with behavioral performance that overlaps with that of normal controls. Although many imaging techniques are not suitable for the study of speech and language processing in DLD populations, fNIRS may be a viable option. In this study we asked if fNIRS can be used to identify atypical cortical activation patterns in individual adults with DLD and track potential changes in cortical activation patterns following a phonological working memory training protocol enhanced with anodal HD tDCS stimulation to the presupplementary motor area (preSMA). Objective/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine if fNIRS can be used to identify atypical hemodynamic responses in individual young adults with DLD during active spoken word processing and, (2) to determine if fNIRS can detect changes in hemodynamic response in these same adults with DLD following anodal HD tDCS enhanced phonological working memory training. Methods: Two adult subjects with DLD (female, age 25) completed a total of two sessions of fNIRs working memory task prior to and following one session of a non-word repetition task paired with anodal HD tDCS (1.0 mA tDCS; 20 min) to the preSMA. Standardized z-scores of behavioral measures (accuracy and reaction time) and changes in hemodynamic response during an n-back working memory task for the two participants with DLD was compared to that of a normative sample of 21 age- and gender- matched normal controls (ages 18 to 25) prior to and following phonological working memory training. Results: Individual standardized z-scores for each participant with DLD indicated that prior to training, hemoglobin response in the prefrontal lobe for both participants was markedly different from each other and normal controls. Following training, standard scores showed that the hemodynamic response for both participants moved within normal limits for ROIs. Conclusion: These findings highlight the feasibility of fNIRS to establish individual differences in the link between behavior and neural patterns in single subjects with DLD, as well as track individual differences in changes in brain activity following working memory training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Berglund-Barraza
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Fenghua Tian
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Chandramallika Basak
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - John Hart
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Julia L Evans
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
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37
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Jung JY, Cho HY, Kang CK. Brain activity during a working memory task in different postures: an EEG study. Ergonomics 2020; 63:1359-1370. [PMID: 32552557 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1784467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While working is more comfortable in a supine position and healthier in a standing, most people work in a sitting. However, it is unclear whether there are differences in brain activity efficiency in different postures. Here, we, therefore, compared changes in brain activity across three different postures to determine the optimal posture for performing working memory tasks. Their effect on brain activity was examined using EEG signals together with the information of accuracy and reaction times during 2-back task in 24 subjects. Substantial differences in brain waves were observed at sitting and standing positions compared to the supine, especially in delta waves and frontal lobe, where is known to improve the modulation of brain activity efficiently. Brain efficiency was higher during standing and sitting than in a supine. These findings show that postural changes may affect the efficiency of brain activity during working memory tasks. Practitioner summary: Differences in brain efficiency between different postures during working memory tasks have not been explored. This study suggests that efficiency in several brain areas is higher during sitting and standing than in a supine position. This finding has important implications regarding workplace environments. Furthermore, this result would be useful to improve accomplishment and reduce negative effects of work posture. Abbreviations: EEG: electroencephalogram; PSQI: Pittsburgh sleep quality index; KSS: Karolinska sleepiness scale; FFT: fast fourier transform; ROI: region of interest; ANS: autonomic nervous system; Fp: prefrontal; AF: anterior frontal; frontal; Fz: midline frontal; temporal; central; Cz: midline central; P: parietal; Pz: midline parietal; O: occipital; Oz: midline occipital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yeon Jung
- Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Young Cho
- Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ki Kang
- Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiological Science, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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38
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Peng Z, Dai C, Cai X, Zeng L, Li J, Xie S, Wang H, Yang T, Shao Y, Wang Y. Total Sleep Deprivation Impairs Lateralization of Spatial Working Memory in Young Men. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:562035. [PMID: 33122988 PMCID: PMC7573126 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.562035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Total sleep deprivation (TSD) negatively affects cognitive function. Previous research has focused on individual variation in cognitive function following TSD, but we know less about how TSD influences the lateralization of spatial working memory. This study used event-related-potential techniques to explore asymmetry in spatial-working-memory impairment. Fourteen healthy male participants performed a two-back task with electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings conducted at baseline and after 36 h of TSD. We selected 12 EEG points corresponding to left and right sides of the brain and then observed changes in N2 and P3 components related to spatial working memory. Before TSD, P3 amplitude differed significantly between the left and right sides of the brain. This difference disappeared after TSD. Compared with baseline, P3 amplitude decreased for a duration as extended as the prolonged latency of N2 components. After 36 h of TSD, P3 amplitude decreased more in the right hemisphere than the left. We therefore conclude that TSD negatively affected spatial working memory, possibly through removing the right hemisphere advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Peng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Cimin Dai
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping Cai
- Department of Cadra Word 3 Division, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lingjing Zeng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Jialu Li
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Songyue Xie
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiteng Wang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Yang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongcong Shao
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- China Institute of Sports and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.,State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, Beijing, China
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39
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Boylan MA, Foster CM, Pongpipat EE, Webb CE, Rodrigue KM, Kennedy KM. Greater BOLD Variability is Associated With Poorer Cognitive Function in an Adult Lifespan Sample. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:562-574. [PMID: 32915200 PMCID: PMC7727366 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Moment-to-moment fluctuations in brain signal assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) variability is increasingly thought to represent important “signal” rather than measurement-related “noise.” Efforts to characterize BOLD variability in healthy aging have yielded mixed outcomes, demonstrating both age-related increases and decreases in BOLD variability and both detrimental and beneficial associations. Utilizing BOLD mean-squared-successive-differences (MSSD) during a digit n-back working memory (WM) task in a sample of healthy adults (aged 20–94 years; n = 171), we examined effects of aging on whole-brain 1) BOLD variability during task (mean condition MSSD across 0–2–3-4 back conditions), 2) BOLD variability modulation to incrementally increasing WM difficulty (linear slope from 0–2–3-4 back), and 3) the association of age-related differences in variability with in- and out-of-scanner WM performance. Widespread cortical and subcortical regions evidenced increased mean variability with increasing age, with no regions evidencing age-related decrease in variability. Additionally, posterior cingulate/precuneus exhibited increased variability to WM difficulty. Notably, both age-related increases in BOLD variability were associated with significantly poorer WM performance in all but the oldest adults. These findings lend support to the growing corpus suggesting that brain-signal variability is altered in healthy aging; specifically, in this adult lifespan sample, BOLD-variability increased with age and was detrimental to cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Boylan
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Chris M Foster
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Ekarin E Pongpipat
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Christina E Webb
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Karen M Rodrigue
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Kristen M Kennedy
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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40
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Rosenberg MD, Martinez SA, Rapuano KM, Conley MI, Cohen AO, Cornejo MD, Hagler DJ, Meredith WJ, Anderson KM, Wager TD, Feczko E, Earl E, Fair DA, Barch DM, Watts R, Casey BJ. Behavioral and Neural Signatures of Working Memory in Childhood. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5090-5104. [PMID: 32451322 PMCID: PMC7314411 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2841-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory function changes across development and varies across individuals. The patterns of behavior and brain function that track individual differences in working memory during human development, however, are not well understood. Here, we establish associations between working memory, other cognitive abilities, and functional MRI (fMRI) activation in data from over 11,500 9- to 10-year-old children (both sexes) enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, an ongoing longitudinal study in the United States. Behavioral analyses reveal robust relationships between working memory, short-term memory, language skills, and fluid intelligence. Analyses relating out-of-scanner working memory performance to memory-related fMRI activation in an emotional n-back task demonstrate that frontoparietal activity during a working memory challenge indexes working memory performance. This relationship is domain specific, such that fMRI activation related to emotion processing during the emotional n-back task, inhibitory control during a stop-signal task (SST), and reward processing during a monetary incentive delay (MID) task does not track memory abilities. Together, these results inform our understanding of individual differences in working memory in childhood and lay the groundwork for characterizing the ways in which they change across adolescence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Working memory is a foundational cognitive ability that changes over time and varies across individuals. Here, we analyze data from over 11,500 9- to 10-year-olds to establish relationships between working memory, other cognitive abilities, and frontoparietal brain activity during a working memory challenge, but not during other cognitive challenges. Our results lay the groundwork for assessing longitudinal changes in working memory and predicting later academic and other real-world outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | | | - May I Conley
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Alexandra O Cohen
- Department of Psychology and Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - M Daniela Cornejo
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92122
- Institute of Physics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Donald J Hagler
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92122
| | | | | | - Tor D Wager
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80302
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Eric Feczko
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Eric Earl
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Damien A Fair
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine,St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Richard Watts
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - B J Casey
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
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41
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Peng Z, Dai C, Ba Y, Zhang L, Shao Y, Tian J. Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Working Memory-Related N2-P3 Components of the Event-Related Potential Waveform. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:469. [PMID: 32508572 PMCID: PMC7248549 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory is very sensitive to acute sleep deprivation, and many studies focus on the brain areas or network activities of working memory after sleep deprivation. However, little is known about event-related potential (ERP)-related changes in working memory after sleep loss. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) on working memory through ERPs. Sixteen healthy college students performed working memory tasks while rested and after 36 h of TSD, and electroencephalography (EEG) data were simultaneously recorded while the subjects completed working memory tasks that included different types of stimulus materials. ERP data were statistically analyzed using repeated measurements analysis of variance to observe the changes in the working memory-related N2-P3 components. Compared with baseline before TSD, the amplitude of N2-P3 components related to working memory decreased, and the latency was prolonged after TSD. However, the increased amplitude of the P2 wave and the prolonged latency were found after 36 h of TSD. Thus, TSD can impair working memory capacity, which is characterized by lower amplitude and prolonged latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Peng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Cimin Dai
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Ba
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongcong Shao
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianquan Tian
- Naval Special Forces Recuperation Center, Qingdao, China
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42
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Costers L, Van Schependom J, Laton J, Baijot J, Sjøgård M, Wens V, De Tiège X, Goldman S, D'Haeseleer M, D'hooghe MB, Woolrich M, Nagels G. Spatiotemporal and spectral dynamics of multi-item working memory as revealed by the n-back task using MEG. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:2431-2446. [PMID: 32180307 PMCID: PMC7267970 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi‐item working memory (WM) is a complex cognitive function thought to arise from specific frequency band oscillations and their interactions. While some theories and consistent findings have been established, there is still a lot of unclarity about the sources, temporal dynamics, and roles of event‐related fields (ERFs) and theta, alpha, and beta oscillations during WM activity. In this study, we performed an extensive whole‐brain ERF and time‐frequency analysis on n‐back magnetoencephalography data from 38 healthy controls. We identified the previously unknown sources of the n‐back M300, the right inferior temporal and parahippocampal gyrus and left inferior temporal gyrus, and frontal theta power increase, the orbitofrontal cortex. We shed new light on the role of the precuneus during n‐back activity, based on an early ERF and theta power increase, and suggest it to be a crucial link between lower‐level and higher‐level information processing. In addition, we provide strong evidence for the central role of the hippocampus in multi‐item WM behavior through the dynamics of theta and alpha oscillatory changes. Almost simultaneous alpha power decreases observed in the hippocampus and occipital fusiform gyri, regions known to be involved in letter processing, suggest that these regions together enable letter recognition, encoding and storage in WM. In summary, this study offers an extensive investigation into the spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of n‐back multi‐item WM activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Costers
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Van Schependom
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Departement of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jorne Laton
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Johan Baijot
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martin Sjøgård
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Magnetoencephalography Unit, CUB-Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Magnetoencephalography Unit, CUB-Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Magnetoencephalography Unit, CUB-Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miguel D'Haeseleer
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Neurology, National MS Center Melsbroek, Melsbroek, Belgium
| | - Marie Beatrice D'hooghe
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Neurology, National MS Center Melsbroek, Melsbroek, Belgium
| | - Mark Woolrich
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford University Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy Nagels
- Center For Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Neurology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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43
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Webb CE, Rodrigue KM, Hoagey DA, Foster CM, Kennedy KM. Contributions of White Matter Connectivity and BOLD Modulation to Cognitive Aging: A Lifespan Structure-Function Association Study. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:1649-1661. [PMID: 31599929 PMCID: PMC7132902 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to flexibly modulate brain activation to increasing cognitive challenge decreases with aging. This age-related decrease in dynamic range of function of regional gray matter may be, in part, due to age-related degradation of regional white matter tracts. Here, a lifespan sample of 171 healthy adults (aged 20-94) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning including diffusion-weighted imaging (for tractography) and functional imaging (a digit n-back task). We utilized structural equation modeling to test the hypothesis that age-related decrements in white matter microstructure are associated with altered blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) modulation, and both in turn, are associated with scanner-task accuracy and executive function performance. Specified structural equation model evidenced good fit, demonstrating that increased age negatively affects n-back task accuracy and executive function performance in part due to both degraded white matter tract microstructure and reduced task-difficulty-related BOLD modulation. We further demonstrated that poorer white matter microstructure integrity was associated with weakened BOLD modulation, particularly in regions showing positive modulation effects, as opposed to negative modulation effects. This structure-function association study provides further evidence that structural connectivity influences functional activation, and the two mechanisms in tandem are predictive of cognitive performance, both during the task, and for cognition measured outside the scanner environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Webb
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Karen M Rodrigue
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - David A Hoagey
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Chris M Foster
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Kristen M Kennedy
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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Miró-Padilla A, Bueichekú E, Ventura-Campos N, Flores-Compañ MJ, Parcet MA, Ávila C. Long-term brain effects of N-back training: an fMRI study. Brain Imaging Behav 2019; 13:1115-27. [PMID: 30006860 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-018-9925-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurobehavioral effects of cognitive training have become a popular research issue. Specifically, behavioral studies have demonstrated the long-term efficacy of cognitive training of working memory functions, but the neural basis for this training have been studied only at short-term. Using fMRI, we investigate the cerebral changes produced by brief single n-back training immediately and 5 weeks after finishing the training. We used the data from a sample of 52 participants who were assigned to either an experimental condition (training group) or a no-contact control condition. Both groups completed three fMRI sessions with the same n-back task. Behavioral and brain effects were studied, comparing the conditions and sessions in both groups. Our results showed that n-back training improved performance in terms of accuracy and response speed in the trained group compared to the control group. These behavioral changes in trained participants were associated with decreased activation in various brain areas related to working memory, specifically the frontal superior/middle cortex, inferior parietal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and middle temporal cortex. Five weeks after training, the behavioral and brain changes remained stable. We conclude that cognitive training was associated with an improvement in behavioral performance and decreased brain activation, suggesting better neural efficiency that persists over time.
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Jang S, Choi J, Oh J, Yeom J, Hong N, Lee N, Kwon JH, Hong J, Kim JJ, Kim E. Use of Virtual Reality Working Memory Task and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess Brain Hemodynamic Responses to Methylphenidate in ADHD Children. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:564618. [PMID: 33551860 PMCID: PMC7859615 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.564618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) neuropsychological tests have emerged as a method to explore drug effects in real-life contexts in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a useful tool to measure brain activity during VR tasks in ADHD children with motor restlessness. The present study aimed to explore the acute effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on behavioral performance and brain activity during a VR-based working memory task simulating real-life classroom settings in ADHD children. In total, 23 children with ADHD performed a VR n-back task before and 2 h after MPH administration concurrent with measurements of oxygenated hemoglobin signal changes with fNIRS. Altogether, 12 healthy control (HC) subjects participated in the same task but did not receive MPH treatment. Reaction time (RT) was shortened after MPH treatment in the 1-back condition, but changes in brain activation were not observed. In the 2-back condition, activation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was decreased alongside behavioral changes such as shorter RT, lower RT variability, and higher accuracy after MPH administration. Bilateral mPFC activation in the 2-back condition inversely correlated with task accuracy in the pre-MPH condition; this inverse correlation was not observed after MPH administration. In ADHD children, deactivation of the default mode network mediated by mPFC reduced during high working memory load, which was restored through MPH treatment. Our results suggest that the combination of VR classroom tasks and fNIRS examination makes it easy to assess drug effects on brain activity in ADHD children in settings simulating real-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooah Jang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jooyoung Oh
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Gangman Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungyeon Yeom
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Narae Hong
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Narae Lee
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Joon Hee Kwon
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jieun Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Gangman Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunjoo Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Gangman Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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46
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Brooks SJ, Mackenzie-Phelan R, Tully J, Schiöth HB. Review of the Neural Processes of Working Memory Training: Controlling the Impulse to Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:512761. [PMID: 33132926 PMCID: PMC7511702 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.512761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone technology has enabled the creation of many working memory training (WMT) Apps, with those peer-reviewed described in a recent review. WMT claims to improve working memory, attention deficits, hyperactivity and fluid intelligence, in line with plasticity brain changes. Critics argue that WMT is unable to achieve "far-transfer"-the attainment of benefits to cognition from one taught context to another dissimilar context-associated with improved quality of life. However, brain changes after a course of WMT in frontoparietal and striatal circuits-that often occur prior to behavioral changes-may be a better indicator of far-transfer efficacy, especially to improve impulse control commonly dysregulated in those with addictive disorders, yet not commonly examined in WMT studies. METHOD In contrast to previous reviews, the aim here is to focus on the findings of brain imaging WMT training studies across various imaging modalities that use various paradigms, published via PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. RESULTS 35 brain imaging studies utilized fMRI, structural imaging (MRI, DTI), functional connectivity, EEG, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), cerebral perfusion, and neurogenetic analyses with tasks based on visuospatial and auditory working memory, dual and standard n-back. DISCUSSION Evidence suggests that repeated WMT reduces brain activation in frontoparietal and striatal networks reflective of increased neural circuitry efficiency via myelination and functional connectivity changes. Neural effects of WMT may persist months after training has ended, lead to non-trained task transfer, be strengthened by auxiliary methods such as tDCS and be related to COMT polymorphisms. WMT could be utilized as an effective, non-invasive intervention for working memory deficits to treat impulse and affective control problems in people with addictive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Brooks
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Neuroscience Research Laboratory (NeuRL), Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rhiannon Mackenzie-Phelan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Tully
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Wanke N, Müller JC, Wiedemann K, Schwabe L. (Lack of) Effects of noradrenergic stimulation on human working memory performance. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3033-3046. [PMID: 32583013 PMCID: PMC7524848 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Working memory depends on prefrontal cortex functioning, which is particularly sensitive to levels of noradrenaline. Studies in non-human primates have shown that modest levels of noradrenaline improve working memory, and that higher levels of noradrenaline impair working memory performance. However, research in humans provided inconsistent findings concerning noradrenergic effects on working memory. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed at assessing dose-dependent effects of yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, on working memory performance in healthy humans. We further aimed to explore a potential interactive effect between noradrenergic arousal and lack of control over aversive events on working memory performance. METHODS We used a double-blind, fully crossed, placebo-controlled, between-subject design. Participants (N = 121) performed an adaptive n-back task before and after oral administration of either a placebo, 20 mg, or 40 mg yohimbine and a manipulation of controllability, during which participants could either learn to avoid electric shocks (controllability groups), had no instrumental control over shock administration (uncontrollability groups), or did not receive any shocks (no-shock control group). RESULTS While no significant results of noradrenergic stimulation through yohimbine were obtained using conventional frequentist analyses, additional Bayesian analyses provided strong evidence for the absence of an association between pharmacological treatment and working memory performance. We further observed no effect of controllability and no interaction between noradrenergic stimulation and the manipulation of controllability. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that noradrenergic stimulation through yohimbine does not affect (non-spatial) working memory in healthy human participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Wanke
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Hamburg, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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48
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Zhao X, Li H, Wang E, Luo X, Han C, Cao Q, Liu L, Chen J, Wang C, Johnstone SJ, Wang Y, Sun L. Neural Correlates of Working Memory Deficits in Different Adult Outcomes of ADHD: An Event-Related Potential Study. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:348. [PMID: 32425833 PMCID: PMC7206828 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated working memory (WM) processing in a longitudinal sample of young adults with persistent and remittent childhood-onset ADHD to investigate the neural correlates of working memory with adult outcomes of ADHD. METHODS Forty-seven young Chinese adults who had been diagnosed with ADHD during childhood underwent follow-up assessments for an average of 9 years. The ADHD sample consisted of 25 ADHD persisters (mean age =18.38 ± 0.5 years) and 22 remitters (mean age = 18.78 ± 1.10 years), who were compared with 25 sex ratio- and IQ-matched healthy adults (mean age = 19.60 ± 1.22 years) in a verbal n-back task. RESULTS No differences in behavioral measures were observed across the three groups. Compared with the healthy controls, the ADHD persisters and remitters had larger N1 amplitudes and smaller P2 amplitudes, while no significant differences between the persistence and remission groups were observed. The P3 amplitudes of the remission and control groups were higher than that of the persistence group, but there was no significant difference between the remitters and healthy controls. CONCLUSION The P3 amplitudes reflecting postdecisional processing and/or WM updating were sensitive to ADHD remission, as they might improve concurrently with ADHD symptoms. These results indicate that the N1, P2, and P3 components of WM processing might be potential biomarkers for different ADHD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Zhao
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Encong Wang
- Unit of Psychological Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangsheng Luo
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Chuanliang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjiu Cao
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Changming Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Stuart J Johnstone
- School of Psychology, Brain & Behaviour Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder & Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
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49
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Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Reyes-Izquierdo T, Argumedo R, Brizuela-Bastien J, Keller R, Pietrzkowski ZJ. Cognitive short- and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn 2019; 27:918-934. [PMID: 31829793 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in food- and dietary supplement-based materials that may support healthy cognition. However, few studies have quantitatively measured bioavailability, bioactivity, or cognitive short- and long-term effects of these materials against placebo. Earlier clinical studies reported ability of coffee cherry extract (CCE) to a.) reduce levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human blood and b.) to increase serum and exosomal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroprotein essential for neurogenesis. Here, we examined CCE influence on cognitive performance. Seventy-one adults with mild cognitive decline completed this double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day regimen. Participants engaged in a cognitive challenge that involved working memory processes. Our results suggest that effects of CCE were notable during the first week and persisted throughout the study period. Specifically, participants on the CCE regimens had significant reductions in reaction time compared to placebo when comparing baseline to days 7 and 28 (p = 0.040, partial η2 = 0.130). A main effect of group was not identified for accuracy; however, strong trends were noted between the placebo group and two of the three CCE groups. These results suggest CCE, when taken in the morning or twice per day, is associated with improvements in reaction times and trends toward indications of improved accuracy. Although further research is required, these observations may be indicative of underlying processes such as increased processing speed, sustained attention, and/or focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Robinson
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University , Auburn, AL, USA.,Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Auburn University , Auburn, AL, USA.,Center for Neuroscience, Auburn University , Auburn, AL, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University , Auburn, AL, USA
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50
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Fuhrmann D, Casey CS, Speekenbrink M, Blakemore SJ. Social exclusion affects working memory performance in young adolescent girls. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2019; 40:100718. [PMID: 31733525 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2019.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence has been proposed to be a sensitive period of social development, during which the social environment has a heightened effect on brain and behaviour. As such, negative social experiences, such as social exclusion, may have particularly detrimental effects on psychological well-being. However, little is known about how social exclusion affects cognitive performance during this time of life. Here, we compared the effects of exclusion between adolescence and adulthood. We recruited 98 females in three age groups: young adolescents (N = 36, aged 10.1–14.0), mid-adolescents (N = 35, aged 14.3–17.9) and adults (N = 27, aged 18.3–38.1). All age groups showed reductions in mood after exclusion, compared to inclusion, in a virtual ball-tossing game. Young adolescents also showed reduced verbal working memory accuracy following exclusion. There was no effect of exclusion on visuo-spatial working memory in any age group. These results suggest young adolescent girls’ verbal working memory accuracy was affected by a short, virtual social exclusion experience. This highlights the importance of the social environment in adolescence and underlines the need to consider age differences in response to exclusion in the design and timing of social exclusion interventions in schools.
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