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Multiple bout rTMS on spatial working memory: a comparison study of two cortical areas.
Alan J Pearce1, Jarrad A G Lum1, Sunaina Seth1
1Cognitive and Neuroscience Unit, Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
Biological Psychology
|May 27, 2014
Summary
Repeated sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) safely enhanced spatial working memory (SWM) by stimulating the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). This suggests potential clinical applications for improving cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Acute repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is known to improve spatial working memory (SWM).
- The safety and efficacy of multiple rTMS sessions and optimal stimulation sites for SWM remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of multiple rTMS bouts on SWM in healthy participants.
- To compare the impact of stimulating the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) versus the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) on SWM.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy participants, new to rTMS, were randomized into DLPFC or PPC groups.
- Participants received six rTMS sessions (5Hz) every other day over two weeks.
- SWM was assessed for accuracy, strategy, and speed before and after the rTMS intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in SWM were observed after repeated rTMS bouts.
- Stimulating the PPC resulted in improvements without contraindications.
- Stimulating the DLPFC did not yield significant SWM improvements in this study.
Conclusions:
- Repeated rTMS sessions can safely enhance SWM.
- The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) may be a more effective target than the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) for improving SWM with repeated stimulation.
- These findings support the potential clinical application of repeated rTMS for cognitive enhancement.
