Frontoparietal neurostimulation modulates working memory training benefits and oscillatory synchronization.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Working memory (WM) is crucial for cognitive tasks and daily functioning.
• Current WM training methods have limited success in improving capacity and transfer.
• Combining WM training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise for enhanced benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying WM training combined with tDCS.
• To determine if tDCS enhances behavioral improvements and neural correlates of WM training.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent a week of WM training paired with frontoparietal tDCS (active or sham).
• High-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG) was recorded before and after training.
• Behavioral performance on a visuospatial WM task was assessed.

Main Results:

• Active tDCS during WM training led to significant behavioral improvements compared to sham.
• HD-EEG analysis revealed corresponding changes in neural activity, including alpha and theta oscillations.
• Enhanced frontal-posterior connectivity and cortical efficiency were observed.

Conclusions:

• Paired tDCS and WM training enhances cognitive function by improving cortical efficiency.
• This neurostimulation approach modulates neural networks involved in working memory.
• Findings suggest a mechanism for tDCS-augmented cognitive training.