Single-channel EEG features during n-back task correlate with working memory load

Abstract: Working Memory (WM) load is an important cognitive feature that is highly correlated with mental effort. Several neurological biomarkers such as theta power and mid-frontal activity show increased activity with increasing WM load. Such correlations often break down in cognitively impaired individuals, making WM load biomarkers a valuable tool for the detection of cognitive impairment. However, most studies have used a multi-channel EEG or an fMRI, which are not massively accessible. In the present study, we evaluate the ability of novel features extracted from a single-channel EEG located on the forehead, to serve as markers of WM load. We employed the widely used n-back task to manipulate WM load. Fourteen participants performed the n-back task while their brain activity was recorded with the Neurosteer inc Aurora EEG device. The results showed that the activity of the newly introduced features increased with WM load, similar to the theta band, but exhibited higher sensitivity to finer WM load changes. These more sensitive biomarkers of WM load are a promising tool for mass screening of mild cognitive impairment.