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Working Memory Training Coupled With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled
Ana C Teixeira-Santos1,2, Célia S Moreira3, Diana R Pereira1
1Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with working memory training (WMT) enhanced cognitive function in older adults. This approach showed lasting improvements in short-term memory and reasoning, particularly at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with working memory training (WMT) for older adults.
- The study investigates the delayed transfer effects of tDCS + WMT in this demographic over a 15-day follow-up period.
- Factors like general cognitive ability, age, and education were explored as potential predictors of treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) combined with working memory training (WMT) in older adults.
- To evaluate the delayed transfer effects on cognitive functions, including reasoning and short-term memory, 15 days post-intervention.
- To determine if cognitive ability, age, or education level predict the observed training gains.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial involving 54 older adults.
- Participants were assigned to atDCS + WMT, sham-tDCS (stDCS) + WMT, or a double-sham control group.
- Five sessions of 2mA tDCS were applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with near transfer (Digit Span) and far transfer (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) assessed.
Main Results:
- Working memory training improved dual n-back performance in both WMT groups.
- Only the atDCS + WMT group showed significant improvements in reasoning (RAPM) and short-term memory (forward Digit Span) from pretest to follow-up.
- Near transfer gains predicted far transfer gains, suggesting transfer is linked to improved working memory constructs.
Conclusions:
- Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) may enhance working memory training (WMT) effects in older adults.
- The combination of atDCS + WMT promotes significant transfer effects in short-term memory and reasoning, observable at follow-up.
- This approach holds promise for cognitive enhancement in healthy older adults.
