Beta Oscillations in Working Memory, Executive Control of Movement and Thought, and Sensorimotor Function
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Beta oscillations (∼13 to 30 Hz) have been observed during many perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes in a plethora of brain recording studies. Although the function of beta oscillations (hereafter "beta" for short) is unlikely to be explained by any single monolithic description, we here discuss several convergent findings. In prefrontal cortex (PFC), increased beta appears at the end of a trial when working memory information needs to be erased. A similar "clear-out" function might apply during the stopping of action and the stopping of long-term memory retrieval (stopping thoughts), where increased prefrontal beta is also observed. A different apparent role for beta in PFC occurs during the delay period of working memory tasks: it might serve to maintain the current contents and/or to prevent interference from distraction. We confront the challenge of relating these observations to the large literature on beta recorded from sensorimotor cortex. Potentially, the clear-out of working memory in PFC has its counterpart in the postmovement clear-out of the motor plan in sensorimotor cortex. However, recent studies support alternative interpretations. In addition, we flag emerging research on different frequencies of beta and the relationship between beta and single-neuron spiking. We also discuss where beta might be generated: basal ganglia, cortex, or both. We end by considering the clinical implications for adaptive deep-brain stimulation.
Source: Journal of Neuroscience
Institutions: University of Sheffield, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Goldsmiths University of London, Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, San Francisco, University of California San Diego
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funders: British Academy, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Vetenskapsrådet, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Fundação Bial, BrainLinks-BrainTools, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Awards: G1129793973, G1877728905, How inhibitory control prevents thought intrusions and sensory and motor provocations, The motor network in Parkinson's disease: Mechanisms of therapy, Stopping behavior and interrupting cognition via subthalamic nucleus, G3097383425, G3160699921, Volitional control of working memory, Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease, G416143503, G4279114324, Cortical Circuits for Attention and Decisions, G6712442106, G712881263, G879329325
OpenAlex ID: W2979994211