Alterations of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex associated with deficits in working memory performance

• Published in: Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience Vol. 17; p. 1213435
• Main Authors: Li, Sihai, Rosen, Matthew C, Chang, Suha, David, Samuel, Freedman, David J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 17.10.2023; Frontiers Media S.A
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavioral Neuroscience; Brain; brain stimulation; Cognitive ability; cognitive deficits; Electrical stimuli; Localization; Memory; Neurons; Neurophysiology; Neurosciences; Prefrontal cortex; Short term memory; working memory; brain stimulation; cognitive deficits; neurophysiology; working memory; prefrontal cortex
• ISSN: 1662-5153; 1662-5153
• DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1213435

Working memory (WM), a core cognitive function, enables the temporary holding and manipulation of information in mind to support ongoing behavior. Neurophysiological recordings conducted in nonhuman primates have revealed neural correlates of this process in a network of higher-order cortical regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Here, we review the circuit mechanisms and functional importance of WM-related activity in these areas. Recent neurophysiological data indicates that the absence of these neural correlates at different stages of WM is accompanied by distinct behavioral deficits, which are characteristic of various disease states/normal aging and which we review here. Finally, we discuss emerging evidence of electrical stimulation ameliorating these WM deficits in both humans and non-human primates. These results are important for a basic understanding of the neural mechanisms supporting WM, as well as for translational efforts to developing therapies capable of enhancing healthy WM ability or restoring WM from dysfunction.