Functional asymmetry of superior parietal lobule for working memory in the elderly.

The relation between neuronal activity in the superior parietal lobule with working memory capacity in an elderly population was investigated. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we examined effects associated with the performance of a reading span test and individual differences in executive function and short-term storage. A significant relation was observed between scores related to executive function and activation in the left superior parietal lobule. In contrast, performance scores related to short-term storage was significantly associated with activation in the right superior parietal lobule. The present findings indicate an asymmetric role for the superior parietal lobule related to working memory functions in the elderly.