Capacity differences in working memory based on resting state brain networks

Mariko Osaka,Miyuki Azuma,Mizuki Kaneda,Ken Yaoi,Tetsuya Shimokawa,Naoyuki Osaka

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98848-2

Abstract

Herein, we compared the connectivity of resting-state networks between participants with high and low working memory capacity groups. Brain network connectivity was assessed under both resting and working memory task conditions. Task scans comprised dual-task (reading sentences while memorizing target words) and single-task (reading sentences) conditions. The low capacity group showed relatively stronger connectivity during resting-state in most brain regions, and the high capacity group showed a stronger connectivity between the medial prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices. During task performance, the dorsal attention and salience networks were relatively strongly connected in the high capacity group. In the comparison between dual- and single-task conditions, increased coupling between the anterior cingulate cortex and other attentional control-related areas were noted in the high capacity group. These findings suggest that working memory differences are related with network connectivity variations in attentional control-associated regions during both resting and task performance conditions.

Highlights

We compared the connectivity of resting-state networks between participants with high and low working memory capacity groups
We previously investigated the neural basis of individual differences in the performance of complex span tasks, such as the reading span test (RST) and listening span test (LST), which measure capacity differences in the memorizing of target words while reading (RST) or listening (LST) to a few sentences
The present study demonstrated that both during resting and working memory task conditions, participants with high and low capacity exhibited significant differences in the connectivity of major resting-state networks

Summary

Introduction

We compared the connectivity of resting-state networks between participants with high and low working memory capacity groups. In the comparison between dual- and single-task conditions, increased coupling between the anterior cingulate cortex and other attentional control-related areas were noted in the high capacity group. These findings suggest that working memory differences are related with network connectivity variations in attentional control-associated regions during both resting and task performance conditions. A between-group difference in SPL enhancement was noted, with a greater increase in activation in the high capacity group than in the low capacity g roup[18,19] Based on these results, we conjectured that the neural substrates underlying individual differences in executive function depend on the cooperation of the DLPFC, ACC, and S PL18. Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that the human brain is organised

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