Plasticity of large-scale neural connectivity following working memory training
Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
Final Report Abstract
The precise effects of working memory (WM) training on the neural mechanisms underlying working memory processing as well as potential effects of WM training on cognitive processes similar to or different from WM (i.e., so-called transfer effects) are still rather unclear. Against this background the current project investigated the effects of an 8-week adaptive n-back training (compared to a low-level, stable control training) in a relatively large sample of elderly participants. In addition, cognitive performance in a variety of different domains (nearest, near and far to WM) was investigated by an extensive test battery. Multimodal neuroimaging (i.e., resting state fMRI, task fMRI, structural MRI, PET and DTI) was used to search for potential anatomic and functional changes. On the cognitive performance level the WM training was associated with significant practice effects and significant improvements of working memory performance, but no near or far transfer effects (i.e. effects in cognitive domains other than working memory) were detected in the training group compared to the control group. There were also no trainingrelated changes in diffusion tensor imaging, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography data were observed. Analyses of gray matter morphometry, on the other hand, showed increased cortical gyrification in bilateral superior parietal cortex and inferior parietal lobule, greater cortical volume and thickness in bilateral primary motor cortex and changes in surface area in bilateral occipital cortex in the WM training group compared to active controls after the training. Likewise, task fMRI using the n-back task demonstrated training-induced activity decrease in regions known to be involved in verbal working memory (i.e., fronto-parieto-cerebellar circuitry and subcortical regions), indicating that the brain became potentially more efficient after the training. Hence, results of the project show significant, but very specific effects of WM training on brain structure and function, whereas training effects in other cognitive domains were not detectable. Hence, considering that the effects of the employed WM training turned out to be very specific and rather restricted, this kind of working memory training would not be suitable for employment in a clinical context.
Publications
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(2019): Neural and Behavioral Effects of an Adaptive Online Verbal Working Memory Training in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 11:300
Emch M, Ripp I, Wu Q, Yakushev I, Koch K
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(2019): Neural Correlates of Verbal Working Memory: An fMRI Meta-Analysis. Front Hum Neurosci 13:180
Emch M, von Bastian C, Koch K
