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Updated: May 21, 2025
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Simultaneous Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 5, 2017
13.9K
Phase-lagged tACS between executive and default mode networks modulates working memory.
Jeehye Seo1, Dongha Lee2, Dimitrios Pantazis3,4
1Institute of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
Scientific Reports
|March 18, 2025
Summary
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) enhances working memory by modulating brain network activity. This non-invasive technique shows phase-dependent effects on cognitive performance and brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like tACS are crucial for understanding and enhancing cognitive functions.
- The interplay between the central executive network (CEN) and default mode network (DMN) is vital for cognitive tasks, particularly working memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cross-frequency coupled tACS with specific phase lags on working-memory performance.
- To explore the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying tACS-induced cognitive enhancement using fMRI.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed to monitor brain activity during tACS.
- A cross-frequency coupled tACS protocol with phase lags of 45 and 180 degrees was applied between the CEN and DMN.
Main Results:
- tACS demonstrated phase-dependent modulation of working-memory task performance.
- Significant alterations in hippocampal activation and task-related functional connectivity were observed, correlating with tACS parameters.
Conclusions:
- tACS can effectively modulate cognitive functions, such as working memory, in a non-invasive manner.
- The study provides a neurophysiological basis for tACS, highlighting its potential for targeted brain stimulation and cognitive enhancement.
