Neural correlates of visuo-spatial working memory encoding—An EEG study

The aim of the present electroencephalographic (EEG) study was to investigate neuronal correlates of working memory encoding in a visuo-spatial serial delayed match-to-sample task. A rapid serial visual presentation approach was used to dissociate brain activity related to encoding of visuo-spatial targets and cortical activity evoked by suppression of distracting information. During the task EEG was recorded and steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) were calculated. Finally, standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) was used to determine brain regions involved in visuo-spatial working memory encoding. A distributed task-relevant network comprising right temporal, parietal, and occipital areas was identified. Results suggest that activity of this network is amplified during actual encoding of targets into visual working memory, whereas the same network is attenuated in its activation when distracting visual information should be suppressed. Left prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices do not seem to be involved in encoding of targets but only in suppression of distracting information, likely reflecting activity of an attention-based supervisory system. These results strongly emphasise the linkage between visuo-spatial attention and working memory during amplification of selected and suppression of irrelevant information.

► Visuo-spatial working memory encoding was investigated.
► EEG was recorded during rapid serial presentation of visual items.
► Steady-state visually evoked potentials were analysed.
► During encoding attempts target-related response of a distributed network was amplified.
► During encoding neural response to distracters is suppressed.