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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Simultaneous Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Improving working memory by electrical stimulation and cross-frequency coupling
Wiam Al Qasem1, Mohammed Abubaker2, Kateřina Pilátová3
1Department of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia. wiam.alqasem@lf3.cuni.cz.
Molecular Brain
|October 1, 2024
Summary
Theta-gamma peak-coupled transcranial alternating current stimulation (TGCp-tACS) enhanced phonological working memory (WM) accuracy in adults. This neurostimulation technique modulated brain oscillations, showing potential for cognitive enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurostimulation
- Brain Oscillations
Background:
- Working memory (WM) is crucial for complex cognition and relies on theta and gamma brain oscillations.
- Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is explored for modulating brain activity to enhance WM.
- Theta-gamma peak-coupled-tACS (TGCp-tACS) mimics natural theta-gamma interactions during cognitive control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of TGCp-tACS in improving working memory (WM) in healthy young adults.
- To assess both behavioral and neurophysiological effects of TGCp-tACS on WM performance.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one healthy young adults participated in the study.
- Participants completed five WM tasks under both sham and verum TGCp-tACS conditions.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record brain activity before and after stimulation.
Main Results:
- TGCp-tACS increased high-gamma power spectral density (PSD) at the stimulation site.
- A decrease in theta and delta PSD was observed across the cortex post-stimulation.
- Significant improvement in accuracy was found in the 14-item Sternberg task, indicating enhanced phonological WM.
Conclusions:
- TGCp-tACS demonstrates potential for enhancing the phonological component of working memory.
- Further research is required to optimize stimulation parameters and consider individual differences for maximal cognitive benefits.
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