Working Memory and Impulsivity and Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The treatment of ADHD could potentially be improved with the development of combination therapies targeting multiple systems. Both the number of children diagnosed with ADHD and the use of stimulant medications for its treatment have been rising in recent years, and concern about side-effects and future problems that medication may cause have been increasing. An alternative treatment strategy for ADHD attracting wide interest is the targeting of neuropsychological functioning, such as executive function impairments. Computerized training programs (including video games) have drawn interest as a tool to train improvements in executive function deficits in children with ADHD. Our lab is currently conducting a pilot study to assess the effects of the online game Minecraft as a therapeutic video game (TVG) to train executive function deficits in children with ADHD. The effect of the TVG intervention in combination with stimulants is being investigated to develop a drug-device combination therapy that can address both the dopaminergic dysfunction and executive function deficits present in ADHD. Although the results of this study will be used to guide the clinical development process, additional guidance for the optimization of the executive function training activities will be provided by a computational model of executive functions built with artificial neural networks (ANNs). This model uses ANNs to complete virtual tasks resembling the executive function training activities that the study subjects practice in the Minecraft world, and the schedule of virtual tasks that result in maximum improvements in ANN performance on these tasks will be investigated as a method to inform the selection of training regimens in future clinical studies.