Working Memory Training Affects Brain Structure
Author Information
Author(s): Takeuchi Hikaru, Taki Yasuyuki, Sassa Yuko, Hashizume Hiroshi, Sekiguchi Atsushi, Fukushima Ai, Kawashima Ryuta
Primary Institution: Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Hypothesis
Working memory training using mental calculations will impact regional gray matter structures in the brain.
Conclusion
The study found that working memory training led to a decrease in gray matter volume in specific brain regions while improving certain cognitive functions.
Supporting Evidence
- Training improved performance on verbal letter span and complex arithmetic tasks.
- Training was associated with reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral fronto-parietal regions.
- Creativity performance decreased after training.
Takeaway
Training your brain with math problems can change how your brain looks and help you remember things better, but it might make you less creative.
Methodology
Participants underwent five days of intensive working memory training using mental calculations, followed by MRI scans and psychological tests to assess changes in brain structure and cognitive performance.
Potential Biases
Participants were not aware of the different training groups, which may introduce bias in their responses.
Limitations
The study's short duration and the lack of long-term follow-up limit the understanding of the lasting effects of the training.
Participant Demographics
55 healthy, right-handed university students (42 men, 13 women) with a mean age of 21.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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