Not so resting state: Signatures of word memory consolidation during resting-state EEG

NICOLE COAKER; LEONARDO MOLANO RAMÍREZ; LAURA KACZER; LUZ BAVASSI

Congreso; SAN 2020; 2020

Learning new vocabulary can be characterized by a great deal of individual variability. Brain activity patterns at rest are associated with various aspects of an individual's cognitive abilities, but their implication in the formation of linguistic memories has not been determined so far. In this study we hypothesize that the level of word learning obtained by an individual will differentially modulate the spontaneous activity of the brain after the task, involving both memory and language areas. The protocol consists of 4 stages: first, subjects perform a series of neuropsychological tests: digit task, phonological fluency, semantic fluency, in order to have a general measure of their short-term memory and their linguistic abilities. Second, the first EEG recording at rest (Rest1) is performed, which serves as a baseline. Afterwards, a word learning task is carried out, where participants have to learn the names and definitions of several new words. Finally, the EEG activity is recorded again at rest for 5 minutes (Rest2). We carried out a spectral analysis, determining the intensity of the various frequency bands that make up the EEG signal and compared both resting state periods with nonparametric statistical analysis. Our preliminary results show a positive correlation between alpha power and semantic memory. On the other hand, a significant correlation was found between the change in alpha and the digit task. Besides, the obtained topography reveals a right lateralization, in coincidence with several language studies