Functional connectivity and working memory: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The identification of the working memory (WM) neural network allows to identify brain regions accurately and their relationship with this cognitive process. However, current literature lacks a systematic review about the contribution of functional connectivity studies to WM neural bases. Aim: The aim of this study is to present the most important findings about this matter. Methodology: First, a bibliometric analysis shows the evolution of the topic. Then, the Tree of Science tool is used to show a chronological review that provides a general description of the roots and current perspectives of the state of literature. Finally, clustering analysis of the citation network was employed to identify the different perspectives of the topic. This article proposes a search equation in the Web of Science (WoS) data base from January 2001 to January 2018. Results: The main findings suggest four approaches related to functional connectivity changes in: healthy individuals, stroke, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions: These perspectives have focused on a common WM neural network composed by: bilateral posterior parietal cortex, bilateral premotor cortex, medial premotor cortex, frontal pole, bilateral dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral medial ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.