Non-invasive brain stimulation targeting the right fusiform gyrus selectively increases working memory for faces

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• The right fusiform gyrus is crucial for face recognition and memory.
• Understanding how to modulate its function is key for cognitive enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the right fusiform gyrus selectively improves working memory for faces versus houses.
• To explore the impact of different tDCS intensities on face memory performance.

Main Methods:

• Anodal tDCS was applied to the right fusiform gyrus (Brodmann's Area 37) at 0.5mA and 1.5mA intensities in a within-subjects design.
• Participants performed a working memory task involving faces and houses at varying memory loads.
• A control group received no stimulation.
• Individual differences in facial recognition skills were assessed.

Main Results:

• 1.5mA tDCS significantly improved working memory performance for faces at high memory loads compared to 0.5mA and no stimulation.
• This enhancement was specific to faces, not observed for houses.
• Lower baseline working memory capacity predicted a greater positive effect of tDCS.

Conclusions:

• The right fusiform gyrus plays a specialized role in maintaining face stimuli in working memory.
• tDCS applied to this region can enhance demanding face working memory, particularly in individuals with weaker baseline working memory skills.