Working memory acts as a key bridge between perception, long-term memory, and action. The
brain regions, connections, and neurotransmitters that underlie working memory undergo dramatic
plastic changes during the life span, and in response to injury. Early life reliance on deep
gray matter structures fades during adolescence as increasing reliance on prefrontal and parietal
cortex accompanies the development of executive aspects of working memory. The rise and
fall of working memory capacity and executive functions parallels the development and loss of
neurotransmitter function in frontal cortical areas. Of the affected neurotransmitters, dopamine and
acetylcholine modulate excitatory-inhibitory circuits that underlie working memory, are important
for plasticity in the system, and are affected following preterm birth and adult brain injury.
Pharmacological interventions to promote recovery of working memory abilities have had limited
success, but hold promise if used in combination with behavioral training and brain stimulation.
The intense study of working memory in a range of species, ages and following injuries has led
to better understanding of the intrinsic plasticity mechanisms in the working memory system.
The challenge now is to guide these mechanisms to better improve or restore working memory
function.
