CCF Speaker Series Beatriz Luna, Ph.D. 1-15-2016

Specialization of Brain Systems Underlying the Maturation of Working Memory Beatriz Luna, Ph.D. Working memory (WM) is a core executive function that has a protracted maturation into young adulthood and is particularly vulnerable to psychopathology and substance use. A set of longitudinal fMRI studies probing WM changes from 8 to 30 years of age will be presented characterizing normative development and elucidating both changes in refinement of brain systems and variability in engaging brain states. In addition, preliminary finding on the effects of age of onset of cannabis use on WM performance and brain systems will be discussed. Together, these studies suggest that working memory systems are available by childhood but continue to improve through adulthood and have specific vulnerability to early cannabis use.

Beatriz Luna Ph.D., Staunton Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

1/15/2016 5:00:00 PM