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Modulating Cognition Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Cerebellum
Published on: February 15, 2015
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Modulating mental state recognition by anodal tDCS over the cerebellum
Silvia Clausi1,2, Michela Lupo3, Giulia Funghi4
1Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, Rome, Italy. silvia.clausi@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|December 30, 2022
Summary
Cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) selectively improved mental state recognition. This non-invasive brain stimulation technique enhanced the mentalizing process in healthy subjects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cerebellar involvement in social cognition and mentalizing is increasingly recognized.
- Neuroimaging and clinical studies highlight the cerebellum's role in understanding others' mental states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cerebellum's role in mental state recognition.
- To modulate cerebellar excitability using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight healthy subjects received anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS targeting the posterior cerebellum.
- The 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes test' assessed mental state recognition before and after stimulation.
- Reaction times and accuracy were recorded for mental state, visual, and motor stimuli.
Main Results:
- Anodal tDCS significantly reduced reaction times for mental state recognition.
- No significant effects were observed with cathodal or sham tDCS, or for control stimuli.
- Cerebellar tDCS selectively enhanced the speed of mental state attribution.
Conclusions:
- Cerebellar anodal tDCS may selectively enhance mental state recognition.
- This non-invasive brain stimulation offers a potential strategy to modulate the mentalizing process.
- The findings underscore the cerebellum's crucial role in social cognition.
