Prefrontal and temporal cortical activation during a new computerized multiple cognitive task simulating activities of everyday life

Computerized cognitive training may have the potential to improve cognitive abilities. However, it has been suggested that training programs based on more real-life like situations are more effective than artificial laboratory tasks. We have developed a new computerized cognitive training task that simulates the cognitive processes necessary for activities of everyday life. Since this task requires working memory, goal-directed planning, and divergent thinking, it is expected to activate the prefrontal cortex. To confirm prefrontal activation associated with this task, hemodynamic responses were examined using near-infrared spectroscopy. As a result, regional hemodynamic responses were significantly increased in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and temporal region during the task. The DLPFC was activated when information needed to be encoded and stored, the VLPFC was activated when comparison, decision-making, and selection were required, and the temporal region was activated during recall. These findings suggest that our new task activates the fronto-temporal region, and that activated regions change depending on the required functions as the task progresses. These results also suggest that a more dominant activation can be observed in the lateral PFC during the new task, which involves more practical planning, realistic imagery, and decision-making toward a concrete goal. These findings serve as pilot validation for future clinical applications.