NMDA Receptors and the Working Memory

The Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is responsible for executive functions including working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, inhibition and abstract reasoning. There has been extensive research of studies on glutamate receptor mechanisms underlying classic neuroplasticity, but few on NMDA receptors mediating the recurrent excitatory circuits underlying working memory in the dlPFC. This is significant to aging and Alzheimer’s because of the decline in expression of NMDA receptors in the dlPFC could be related to impaired cognition. To reach further see article.