Top down modulation of attention to food cues via working memory

摘要: Attentional biases towards food cues may be linked to the development of obesity. The present study investigated mechanisms underlying attentional by assessing role top down influences, such as working memory (WM). We assessed whether attention in normal-weight, sated participants was drawn items specifically when that item held WM. Twenty-three (15 f/8 m, age 23.4±5 year, BMI 23.5±4 kg/m(2)) took part a laboratory based reaction times and non-food stimuli. Participants were presented with an initial cue stimulus either hold WM or merely attend to, then searched for target (a circle) two-item display. On valid trials flanked picture matching cue, on neutral display did not contain invalid distractor square) cue. Cues food, cars stationery items. observed that, relative effects stimuli, strongly affected memorised re-appeared search In particular there enhanced response trials, re-appearance coincided target. There no category guidance attended but These data point having strong effect top-down from memory, suggest mechanism whereby individuals who are preoccupied thoughts example obese individuals, show facilitated detection environment.