Poster #16 - Neural correlates for working memory in children

• In Event: 2-163 - Poster Session 08
  In Poster Session: PS 08 Section - Biological Processes: Neuroscience and Genetics

Integrative Statement

Working memory is our ability to maintain and manipulate information in mind. One of the most popular measures of working memory is the n-back task, which lends it self for use in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. In typical n-back tasks participants are asked to indicate whether the current stimulus matches a target stimulus; a target stimulus varies a function of n (e.g., 0-back, 1-back, 2-back). The first meta-analyses (Owen et al., 2005), of 24 adult neuroimaging studies, appeared 13 years ago, showing concordant activity in a set of brain regions including prefrontal, dorsal cingulate, and posterior parietal cortices. However, concordance of brain correlates associated with the n-back task in children is lacking. Using coordinate based meta-analyses (i.e., Activation Likelihood Estimation), we compiled data from 17 fMRI studies and examine brain responses to the n-back task of children up to 15 years (N=260). Results show that children engage parietal regions similarly to adults, as these are brain regions processing visual-spatial aspects of the stimuli. Critically, no suprathreshold clusters were observed in prefrontal regions, even though each separate study reported prefrontal cortex activity, albeit not always in the same location. Another unexpected finding was the implication and extend of engagement of the insular cortex in children’s working memory processes. The insula is a part of the brain typically associated with emotion and interoception. Coordinate based meta-analyses provide a powerful tool for identifying overarching patterns across studies. Practically, our findings suggest new directions for research for better understanding the role of the insular cortex in working memory and the trajectory of prefrontal implication in working memory processes. Theoretically, our findings inform developmental theories of cognition and working memory.

Authors

• Marie Arsalidou, National Research University Higher School of Economics
  Non-Presenting Author

• Alba Agostino, Trent University
  Presenting Author

• Zachary Yaple, National Research University Higher School of Economics
  Non-Presenting Author