Li T, Ma X, Pan W, Huo X. The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with interim testing on spatial route learning in patients with schizophrenia.
J Psychiatr Res 2024;
177:169-176. [PMID:
39024741 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia have drawn widespread attention. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate cognitive processes by altering neuronal excitability. Previous studies have found that interim testing can enhance spatial route learning and memory in patients with schizophrenia. However, there has been limited research on the combined effects of these two methods on spatial route learning in these patients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the combination of tDCS and interim testing can effectively contribute to the maintenance of spatial route memory in patients with schizophrenia. The study involved conducting route learning using interim testing after anodal tDCS treatment on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC).
METHODS
Ninety-two patients with schizophrenia were recruited and divided into groups receiving anodal, sham, or no stimulation. The anodal group received L-DLPFC tDCS treatment 10 times over 5 days (twice daily for 20 min). After treatment, spatial route learning was assessed in interim testing. Correct recall rates of landmark positions and proactive interference from prior learning were compared among the groups.
RESULTS
Regardless of stimulation type, the interim testing group outperformed the relearning group. Additionally, recall scores were higher following anodal stimulation, indicating the efficacy of tDCS.
CONCLUSIONS
Both tDCS and interim testing independently enhance the ability to learn new information in spatial route learning for patients with schizophrenia, indicating that tDCS of the left DLPFC significantly improves memory in these patients.
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