Shielding working-memory representations from temporally predictable external interference

Protecting working-memory content from distracting external sensory inputs and intervening tasks is a ubiquitous demand in daily life. Here, we ask whether and how temporal expectations about external events can help mitigate effects of such interference during working-memory retention. We manipulated the temporal predictability of interfering items that occurred during the retention period of a visual working-memory task and report that temporal expectations reduce the detrimental influence of external interference on subsequent memory performance. Moreover, to determine if the protective effects of temporal expectations rely mainly on distractor suppression or also involve shielding of internal representations, we compared effects after irrelevant distractors that could be ignored vs. interrupters that required a response. Whereas distractor suppression may be sufficient to confer protection from predictable distractors, any benefits after interruption are likely to involve memory shielding. We found similar benefits of temporal expectations after both types of interference. We conclude that temporal expectations may play an important role in safeguarding behaviour based on working memory – acting, at least partly, through mechanisms that include the shielding of internal content from external interference.

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Modulation of Visual Working Memory Performance via Different Theta Frequency Stimulations

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11101358 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1358

Author(s):

Xue Guo ◽

Ziyuan Li ◽

Liangyou Zhang ◽

Qiang Liu

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation ◽

Memory Representations ◽

The Right ◽

Memory Resources

Previous studies have found that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can significantly enhance individuals’ working memory performance. However, it is still unclear whether the memory performance enhancement was attributed to the quantity or the quality of working memory. The current study applies tACS over the right parietal cortex at slower (4 Hz) and faster (7 Hz) frequencies to participants with high and low working memory capacities in a color recall memory task. This enabled us to explore the tACS effects on the quantity and quality of the working memory for individuals with different memory capacities. The results revealed that slower frequency (4 Hz) tACS enhanced the quality of memory representations, and faster frequency (7 Hz) tACS principally impaired the quantity of working memory. The underlying mechanism of this effect might be that tACS at different frequencies modulate the memory resources, which then selectively affect the quantity and quality of memory representations. Importantly, individual traits, as well as memory strategies, may be crucial factors to consider when testing the effect of tACS on working memory performance.

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Visual Long-term Memory Can Replace Active Maintenance in Visual Working Memory

10.1101/381848 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mark W. Schurgin ◽

Corbin A. Cunningham ◽

Howard E. Egeth ◽

Timothy F. Brady

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Perceptual Information ◽

Long Term Memory ◽

Term Memory ◽

Perceptual Interference ◽

New Information ◽

Memory Representations

AbstractHumans have remarkable visual long-term memory abilities, capable of storing thousands of objects with significant detail. However, it remains unknown how such memory is utilized during the short-term maintenance of information. Specifically, if people have a previously encoded memory for an item, how does this affect subsequent working memory for that same item? Here, we demonstrate people can quickly and accurately make use of visual long-term memories and therefore maintain less perceptual information actively in working memory. We assessed how much perceptual information is actively maintained in working memory by measuring neural activity during the delay period of a working memory task using electroencephalography. We find that despite maintaining less perceptual information in working memory when long-term memory representations are available, there is no decrement in memory performance. This suggests under certain circumstances people can dynamically disengage working memory maintenance and instead use long-term memories when available. However, this does not mean participants always utilize long-term memory. In a follow-up experiment, we introduced additional perceptual interference into working memory and found participants actively maintained items in working memory even when they had existing long-term memories available. These results clarify the kinds of conditions under which long-term and working memory operate. Specifically, working memory is engaged when new information is encountered or perceptual interference is high. Visual long-term memory may otherwise be rapidly accessed and utilized in lieu of active perceptual maintenance. These data demonstrate the interactions between working memory and long-term memory are more dynamic and fluid than previously thought.

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A between-task consequence of temporal expectations

10.31234/osf.io/fxt4g ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniela Gresch ◽

Sage Boettcher ◽

Anna C. Nobre ◽

Freek van Ede

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Everyday Life ◽

Visual Working Memory ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Delay Period ◽

Temporal Expectation ◽

Memory Probe ◽

Temporal Predictability ◽

Memory Contents

In everyday life, we often anticipate the timing of one upcoming task or event while actively engaging in another. Here, we investigated temporal expectations within such a multi-task scenario. In a visual working-memory task, we manipulated whether the onset of a working-memory probe could be predicted in time, while also embedding a simple intervening task within the delay period. We first show that working-memory performance benefitted from temporal predictability, even though an intervening task had to be completed in the interim. Moreover, temporal expectations regarding the upcoming working-memory probe additionally affected performance on the intervening task, resulting in faster responses when the memory probe was anticipated early, and slower responses when the memory probe was expected late, as compared to when it was temporally unpredictable. Because the intervening task always occurred at the same time during the memory delay, differences in performance on this intervening task are attributed to a between-task consequence of temporal expectation. Thus, we show that within multi-task settings, knowing when working-memory contents will be required for an upcoming task not only facilitates performance on the associated working-memory task, but can also influence the performance of other, intervening tasks.

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Frontal theta and posterior alpha oscillations reflect the reactivation of working memory representations following interruptions

10.1101/2020.08.20.259473 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Bianca Zickerick ◽

Marlene Rösner ◽

Melinda Sabo ◽

Daniel Schneider

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Attentional Control ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Primary Task ◽

Alpha Power ◽

Arithmetic Task ◽

Secondary Tasks ◽

Behavioral Studies ◽

Memory Representations

AbstractInterruptions (secondary tasks) have been frequently investigated in behavioral studies leading to a deterioration of working memory performance. Yet, the underlying attentional control processes are not sufficiently understood. A lateralized working memory task was frequently interrupted by either a high- or low-demanding arithmetic task and a subsequent retroactive cue indicated the working memory item required for later report. We examined the role of frontal theta (4-7 Hz) and posterior alpha power (8-14 Hz) as correlates for retroactive attentional switches between working memory representations. In particular, highly demanding interruptions decreased primary task performance compared to a control condition without interruption. This was also reflected in decreased frontal theta power and higher posterior alpha power after retro-cue presentation, suggesting decreased attentional control resources. Moreover, reduced alpha lateralization indicated an impaired refocusing on primary task information following the interruption. These results highlight oscillatory mechanisms required for successfully handling the detrimental effects of interruptions.

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Mindfulness Training as Cognitive Training in High-Demand Cohorts: An Initial Study in Elite Military Servicemembers

10.31231/osf.io/5hzy7 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Anthony Paul Zanesco ◽

Ekaterina Denkova ◽

Scott L. Rogers ◽

William K. MacNulty ◽

Amishi P. Jha

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Short Form ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Selection Criterion ◽

Initial Study ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Training Tool ◽

Cognitive Failures

Cognitive ability is a key selection criterion for entry into many elite professions. Herein, we investigate whether mindfulness training (MT) can enhance cognitive performance in elite military forces. The cognitive effects of a short-form 8-hour MT program contextualized for military cohorts, referred to as Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), were assessed. Servicemembers received either a 2-week (n = 40) or 4-week (n = 36) version of MBAT, or no training (NTC, n = 44). Sustained attention and working memory task performance along with self-reported cognitive failures were assessed at study onset (T1) and 8-weeks later (T2). In contrast to both the NTC and 2-week MT groups, the 4-week MT group significantly improved over time on attention and working memory outcome measures. Among the 4-week more so than the 2-week MBAT participants, working memory performance improvements were correlated with their amount of out-of-class MT practice. In addition to these group-wise effects, all participants receiving MBAT decreased in their self-reported cognitive failures from T1 to T2. Importantly, none of these improvements were related to self-reported task motivation. Together, these results suggest that short-form MT, when delivered over a 4-week delivery schedule, may be an effective cognitive training tool in elite military cohorts.

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Working Memory Performance under a Negative Affect Is More Susceptible to Higher Cognitive Workloads with Different Neural Haemodynamic Correlates

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11070935 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 935

Author(s):

Ying Xing Feng ◽

Masashi Kiguchi ◽

Wei Chun Ung ◽

Sarat Chandra Dass ◽

Ahmad Fadzil Mohd Hani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Task Performance ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Affective State ◽

Memory Task ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Affective Factors ◽

Related Stress ◽

Haemodynamic Activity

The effect of stress on task performance is complex, too much or too little stress negatively affects performance and there exists an optimal level of stress to drive optimal performance. Task difficulty and external affective factors are distinct stressors that impact cognitive performance. Neuroimaging studies showed that mood affects working memory performance and the correlates are changes in haemodynamic activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We investigate the interactive effects of affective states and working memory load (WML) on working memory task performance and haemodynamic activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging on the PFC of healthy participants. We seek to understand if haemodynamic responses could tell apart workload-related stress from situational stress arising from external affective distraction. We found that the haemodynamic changes towards affective stressor- and workload-related stress were more dominant in the medial and lateral PFC, respectively. Our study reveals distinct affective state-dependent modulations of haemodynamic activity with increasing WML in n-back tasks, which correlate with decreasing performance. The influence of a negative effect on performance is greater at higher WML, and haemodynamic activity showed evident changes in temporal, and both spatial and strength of activation differently with WML.

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Does Strategic Memory Training Improve the Working Memory Performance of Younger and Older Adults?

Experimental Psychology (formerly Zeitschrift für Experimentelle Psychologie) ◽

10.1027/1618-3169.54.4.311 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 311-320 ◽

Cited By ~ 66

Author(s):

Barbara Carretti ◽

Erika Borella ◽

Rossana De Beni

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Memory Training ◽

Control Groups ◽

Improved Performance ◽

Strategic Training ◽

Strategic Memory ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract. The paper examines the effect of strategic training on the performance of younger and older adults in an immediate list-recall and a working memory task. The experimental groups of younger and older adults received three sessions of memory training, teaching the use of mental images to improve the memorization of word lists. In contrast, the control groups were not instructed to use any particular strategy, but they were requested to carry out the memory exercises. The results showed that strategic training improved performance of both the younger and older experimental groups in the immediate list recall and in the working memory task. Of particular interest, the improvement in working memory performance of the older experimental group was comparable to that of the younger experimental group.

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Memory-Related Frontal Brainwaves Predict Transition to Mild Cognitive Impairment in Healthy Older Individuals Five Years Before Diagnosis

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-200931 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Yang Jiang ◽

Juan Li ◽

Frederick A. Schmitt ◽

Gregory A. Jicha ◽

Nancy B. Munro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Differentiation Pattern

Background: Early prognosis of high-risk older adults for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), using noninvasive and sensitive neuromarkers, is key for early prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. We have developed individualized measures in electrophysiological brain signals during working memory that distinguish patients with aMCI from age-matched cognitively intact older individuals. Objective: Here we test longitudinally the prognosis of the baseline neuromarkers for aMCI risk. We hypothesized that the older individuals diagnosed with incident aMCI already have aMCI-like brain signatures years before diagnosis. Methods: Electroencephalogram (EEG) and memory performance were recorded during a working memory task at baseline. The individualized baseline neuromarkers, annual cognitive status, and longitudinal changes in memory recall scores up to 10 years were analyzed. Results: Seven of the 19 cognitively normal older adults were diagnosed with incident aMCI for a median 5.2 years later. The seven converters’ frontal brainwaves were statistically identical to those patients with diagnosed aMCI (n = 14) at baseline. Importantly, the converters’ baseline memory-related brainwaves (reduced mean frontal responses to memory targets) were significantly different from those who remained normal. Furthermore, differentiation pattern of left frontal memory-related responses (targets versus nontargets) was associated with an increased risk hazard of aMCI (HR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.03, 2.08). Conclusion: The memory-related neuromarkers detect MCI-like brain signatures about five years before diagnosis. The individualized frontal neuromarkers index increased MCI risk at baseline. These noninvasive neuromarkers during our Bluegrass memory task have great potential to be used repeatedly for individualized prognosis of MCI risk and progression before clinical diagnosis.

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Negative Effects of Embodiment in a Visuo-Spatial Working Memory Task in Children, Young Adults, and Older Adults

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.688174 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Gianluca Amico ◽

Sabine Schaefer

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Young Adults ◽

Spatial Information ◽

Spatial Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Age Groups ◽

Memory Task ◽

Negative Effects

Studies examining the effect of embodied cognition have shown that linking one’s body movements to a cognitive task can enhance performance. The current study investigated whether concurrent walking while encoding or recalling spatial information improves working memory performance, and whether 10-year-old children, young adults, or older adults (Mage = 72 years) are affected differently by embodiment. The goal of the Spatial Memory Task was to encode and recall sequences of increasing length by reproducing positions of target fields in the correct order. The nine targets were positioned in a random configuration on a large square carpet (2.5 m × 2.5 m). During encoding and recall, participants either did not move, or they walked into the target fields. In a within-subjects design, all possible combinations of encoding and recall conditions were tested in counterbalanced order. Contrary to our predictions, moving particularly impaired encoding, but also recall. These negative effects were present in all age groups, but older adults’ memory was hampered even more strongly by walking during encoding and recall. Our results indicate that embodiment may not help people to memorize spatial information, but can create a dual-task situation instead.

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Emotional Working Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease

International Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.1155/2014/207698 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nicola Mammarella ◽

Beth Fairfield

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Working Memory ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Memory Task ◽

Emotional Information ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Affective Stimuli ◽

Age Related ◽

Dementia Of Alzheimer’S Type

A number of recent studies have reported that working memory does not seem to show typical age-related deficits in healthy older adults when emotional information is involved. Differently, studies about the short-term ability to encode and actively manipulate emotional information in dementia of Alzheimer’s type are few and have yielded mixed results. Here, we review behavioural and neuroimaging evidence that points to a complex interaction between emotion modulation and working memory in Alzheimer’s. In fact, depending on the function involved, patients may or may not show an emotional benefit in their working memory performance. In addition, this benefit is not always clearly biased (e.g., towards negative or positive information). We interpret this complex pattern of results as a consequence of the interaction between multiple factors including the severity of Alzheimer’s disease, the nature of affective stimuli, and type of working memory task.

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