Neural correlates of training-related working-memory gains in old age

► Old persons improved performance after five weeks of adaptive WM training. ► There was transfer to non-trained tasks (sustained attention, episodic memory). ► Adaptive training and low-level practice resulted in neocortical BOLD decreases. ► Greater neural efficiency from training appeared under high task difficulty. ► The size of gains was linked to cortical BOLD decreases and subcortical increases.