Auditory cortical alpha/beta desynchronization prioritizes the representation of memory items during a retention period.

ABSTRACT: To-be-memorized information in working-memory could be protected against distracting influences by processes of functional inhibition or prioritization. Modulations of oscillations in the alpha to beta range in task-relevant sensory regions have been suggested to play an important role for both mechanisms. We adapted a Sternberg task variant to the auditory modality, with a strong or a weak distracting sound presented at a predictable time during the retention period. Using a time-generalized decoding approach, relatively decreased strength of memorized information was found prior to strong distractors, paralleled by decreased pre-distractor alpha/beta power in the left superior temporal gyrus (lSTG). Over the entire group, reduced beta power in lSTG was associated with relatively increase

SUBMITTER: Weisz N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7242024 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature