Numerical working memory alters alpha‐beta oscillations and connectivity in the parietal cortices

Abstract

Although the neural bases of numerical processing and memory have been extensively studied, much remains to be elucidated concerning the spectral and temporal dynamics surrounding these important cognitive processes. To further this understanding, we employed a novel numerical working memory paradigm in 28 young, healthy adults who underwent magnetoencephalography (MEG). The resulting data were examined in the time‐frequency domain prior to image reconstruction using a beamformer. Whole‐brain, spectrally‐constrained coherence was also employed to determine network connectivity. In response to the numerical task, participants exhibited robust alpha/beta oscillations in the bilateral parietal cortices. Whole‐brain statistical comparisons examining the effect of numerical manipulation during memory‐item maintenance revealed a difference centered in the right superior parietal cortex, such that oscillatory responses during numerical manipulation were significantly stronger than when no manipulation was necessary. Additionally, there was significantly reduced cortico‐cortical coherence between the right and left superior parietal regions during the manipulation compared to the maintenance trials, indicating that these regions were functioning more independently when the numerical information had to be actively processed. In sum, these results support previous studies that have implicated the importance of parietal regions in numerical processing, but also provide new knowledge on the spectral, temporal, and network dynamics that serve this critical cognitive function during active working memory maintenance.

Resting-State Beta-Band Recovery Network Related to Cognitive Improvement After Stroke

“…By observing stroke patients before and after the rehabilitation, a specific brain recovery pattern emerged, characterized by a widespread increased FC in the beta in the post-condition. The functioning of the beta frequency band has previously been related, in healthy population, to different cognitive tasks such as working memory (67)(68)(69), attention (70), and motor performance (71). On the contrary, our neurophysiological data were acquired during resting state (RS) which has been shown that is the most stable condition across patients with different symptomatology and it also has been considered a hallmark for clinical diagnosis and monitoring the recovery of patients that underwent a rehabilitation, both in MRI (18,72) and MEG studies (22,73).…”

Longitudinal changes in the neural oscillatory dynamics underlying abstract reasoning in children and adolescents

“…By inhibiting certain processes, neural resources can be redirected to processing relevant inputs for achieving the goal-directed behavior at hand. However, changes in alpha power have also been noted in instances of high cognitive demand, suggesting that increases in alpha power may be indicative of cognitive load and mental effort ( Koshy et al, 2020 ; Meyer et al, 2013 ; Rosen and Reiner, 2017 ). Gamma activity in frontoparietal regions has been less well characterized.…”

Interhemispheric Connectivity Supports Load-Dependent Working Memory Maintenance for Complex Visual Stimuli

“…Decreases in amplitude that are not time-locked (i.e., TSA) to an event have been ascribed to different cognitive processes that can occur during maintenance. Namely, this pattern of ERD has been associated with manipulation of information held during the delay period (Koshy et al, 2020) as well as the use of cognitive control (Wei & Zhou, 2020). Klimesch et al (2007) suggested that ERD largely reflects both the anticipation of an upcoming response as well as attentional processes.…”

“…Event-related desynchronization has also been found in the alpha band during maintenance (Koshy et al, 2020). Decreases in amplitude that are not time-locked (i.e., TSA) to an event have been ascribed to different cognitive processes that can occur during maintenance.…”