Abstract
Understanding of neuro-dynamics of a complex higher cognitive process, Working Memory (WM) is challenging. In WM, information processing occurs through four subsystems: phonological loop, visual sketch pad, memory buffer and central executive function (CEF). CEF plays a principal role in WM. In this study, our objective was to understand the neurospatial correlates of CEF during inhibition and set-shifting processes. Thirty healthy educated subjects were selected. Event-Related Potential (ERP) related to visual inhibition and set-shifting task was collected using 32 channel EEG system. Activation of those ERPs components was analyzed using amplitudes of positive and negative peaks. Experiment was controlled using certain parametric constraints to judge behavior, based on average responses in order to establish relationship between ERP and local area of brain activation and represented using standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography. The average score of correct responses was higher for inhibition task (87.5%) as compared to set-shifting task (59.5%). The peak amplitude of neuronal activity for inhibition task was lower compared to set-shifting task in fronto-parieto-central regions. Hence this proposed paradigm and technique can be used to measure inhibition and set-shifting neuronal processes in understanding pathological central executive functioning in patients with neuro-psychiatric disorders.
Highlights
Working memory (WM) is a part of the higher cognitive mental functions (HMFs) [1]
The designated time window for identification of the Event Related Potential (ERP), which we considered in the whole experimental tasks were as follows: a) N200 - most negatively deflecting potential occurring 150ms to 250ms after the stimulus, b) P200 - most positively deflecting potential occurring 150ms to 250ms after the stimulus and c) P300 - most positively deflecting potential occurring 250ms to 350ms after the stimulus
We found that average score of correct response was higher in ‘inhibition task’ (87.5%) in comparison to ‘set-shifting task’ (59.5%)
Summary
Working memory (WM) is a part of the higher cognitive mental functions (HMFs) [1]. Baddeley and Hitch generated the first model of WM that represents the role of CEF [2]. WM has a temporary storage system that involves small packets of spatially distributed information processing systems [3]. It involves a four subsystem i.e., phonological loop, visual sketch pad, memory buffer and central executive function (CEF) [4]. They integrate to perform the following cognitive functions i.e., temporary storage, learning, reasoning, comprehension, manipulation and updating. This involves various parts of the sensory-motor cortices in the frontoparietal lobes, where the experience is recorded and integrated and subsequently brought to the conscious domain [5]. It’s further divided in four sub components, inhibition, set-shifting, dual-tasking and updating [7]
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