Long-range synchronization and local desynchronization of alpha oscillations during visual short-term memory retention in children.
Local alpha-band synchronization has been associated with both cortical idling and active inhibition. Recent evidence, however, suggests that long-range alpha synchronization increases functional coupling between cortical regions. We demonstrate increased long-range alpha and beta band phase synchronization during short-term memory retention in children 6-10 years of age. Furthermore, whereas alpha-band synchronization between posterior cortex and other regions is increased during retention, local alpha-band synchronization over posterior cortex is reduced. This constitutes a functional dissociation for alpha synchronization across local and long-range cortical scales. We interpret long-range synchronization as reflecting functional integration within a network of frontal and visual cortical regions. Local desynchronization of alpha rhythms over posterior cortex, conversely, likely arises because of increased engagement of visual cortex during retention.
Doesburg
Sam M
SM
Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, L408-4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6R 3V4, Canada. sdoesburg@cw.bc.ca
Herdman
Anthony T
AT
Ribary
Urs
U
Cheung
Teresa
T
Moiseev
Alexander
A
Weinberg
Hal
H
Liotti
Mario
M
Weeks
Daniel
D
Grunau
Ruth E
RE
D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D001611:Beta Rhythm; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003344:Cortical Synchronization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010507:Periodicity; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*