Structural changes with age in neural systems supporting WM

 

Structural imaging data from the CALM sample are being used to identify changes in neural connectivity with age in subcomponents of WM. Neuropsychological models assume that working memory is mediated by the same brain network in children and adults. However, results of the current study indicate that executive aspects of working memory are mediated by different neural substrates in younger compared to older children. This provides insight into the mechanisms driving working memory development and may provide a better understanding of atypical development in the future.

 

Lead researcher: Joe Balthelt, Career Development Fellow

 

Publication: The findings are currently being written up for publication in winter 2016.