Cognitive enhancement with Salience Network electrical stimulation is influenced by network structural connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• The Salience Network (SN) is crucial for cognitive control, with structural damage linked to impaired response inhibition.
• Previous research suggests that stimulating the SN may enhance cognitive control capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) can modulate SN activity and improve cognitive control.
• To explore the role of SN structural connectivity in modulating responses to TDCS.

Main Methods:

• Anodal and cathodal TDCS were applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus/anterior insula cortex during the Stop Signal Task (SST) with concurrent functional MRI (fMRI).
• Participants were stratified based on SN structural connectivity (fractional anisotropy) to assess its influence on TDCS effects.
• Behavioral performance (response inhibition) and brain activity (fMRI) were measured.

Main Results:

• Anodal TDCS significantly improved response inhibition during the SST.
• High SN structural connectivity correlated with enhanced behavioral and neural responses to anodal TDCS.
• Cathodal stimulation activated the right caudate, independent of SN structural connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Targeted SN stimulation via TDCS can enhance cognitive control, specifically response inhibition.
• SN structural connectivity is a critical factor influencing the efficacy of TDCS for cognitive enhancement.
• These findings support the SN as a viable target for neuromodulation interventions aimed at improving cognitive function.