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Chuderski A, Chinta SR. Transcranial alternating current stimulation barely enhances working memory in healthy adults: A meta-analysis. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149022. [PMID: 38801916 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a pivotal neural mechanism for cognitive function and ability. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) was used to improve WM by entraining key brain rhythms. We submitted to meta-analysis 143 effects of tACS on WM performance, found in 42 reports published between 2014 and 2023, encompassing a total of 1386 healthy adults stimulated. The overall effect size of 134 interventions intended to improve WM equaled Hedges' g = 0.076 [0.039, 0.113]. However, after correcting for a significant publication bias this effect size dropped to zero. By contrast, 9 interventions distorting the brain synchronization using antiphase tACS reliably decreased WM performance, with Hedges' g = -0.266, [-0.458, -0.074]. Individuating the targeted frequency band was the only reliable moderator. The disparity between our null outcome and moderately positive tACS effects estimated by previous meta-analyses resulted from our inclusion of the most recent studies mostly reporting negligible effects. Our results suggest that current tACS protocols barely enhance WM in healthy adults. More research is needed to develop effective methods for WM stimulation.
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Biačková N, Adamová A, Klírová M. Transcranial alternating current stimulation in affecting cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders: a review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:803-826. [PMID: 37682331 PMCID: PMC11127835 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that, through its manipulation of endogenous oscillations, can affect cognition in healthy adults. Given the fact that both endogenous oscillations and cognition are impaired in various psychiatric diagnoses, tACS might represent a suitable intervention. We conducted a search of Pubmed and Web of Science databases and reviewed 27 studies where tACS is used in psychiatric diagnoses and cognition change is evaluated. TACS is a safe and well-tolerated intervention method, suitable for multiple-sessions protocols. It can be administered at home, individualized according to the patient''s anatomical and functional characteristics, or used as a marker of disease progression. The results are varying across diagnoses and applied protocols, with some protocols showing a long-term effect. However, the overall number of studies is small with a great variety of diagnoses and tACS parameters, such as electrode montage or used frequency. Precise mechanisms of tACS interaction with pathophysiological processes are only partially described and need further research. Currently, tACS seems to be a feasible method to alleviate cognitive impairment in psychiatric patients; however, a more robust confirmation of efficacy of potential protocols is needed to introduce it into clinical practise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Biačková
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Adamová
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Klírová
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Tan E, Troller-Renfree SV, Morales S, Buzzell GA, McSweeney M, Antúnez M, Fox NA. Theta activity and cognitive functioning: Integrating evidence from resting-state and task-related developmental electroencephalography (EEG) research. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101404. [PMID: 38852382 PMCID: PMC11214181 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The theta band is one of the most prominent frequency bands in the electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum and presents an interesting paradox: while elevated theta power during resting state is linked to lower cognitive abilities in children and adolescents, increased theta power during cognitive tasks is associated with higher cognitive performance. Why does theta power, measured during resting state versus cognitive tasks, show differential correlations with cognitive functioning? This review provides an integrated account of the functional correlates of theta across different contexts. We first present evidence that higher theta power during resting state is correlated with lower executive functioning, attentional abilities, language skills, and IQ. Next, we review research showing that theta power increases during memory, attention, and cognitive control, and that higher theta power during these processes is correlated with better performance. Finally, we discuss potential explanations for the differential correlations between resting/task-related theta and cognitive functioning, and offer suggestions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enda Tan
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
| | | | - Santiago Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, CA 90007, USA
| | - George A Buzzell
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Marco McSweeney
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Martín Antúnez
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
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Chen R, Huang L, Wang R, Fei J, Wang H, Wang J. Advances in Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Techniques for Improving Cognitive Function: A Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:354. [PMID: 38672006 PMCID: PMC11048722 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques are widely utilized to study and improve cognitive function, with the aim of modulating different cognitive processes. For workers performing high-intensity mental and physical tasks, extreme fatigue may not only affect their working efficiency but may also lead to cognitive decline or cognitive impairment, which, in turn, poses a serious threat to their physical health. The use of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques has important research value for improving and enhancing cognitive function. In this paper, we review the research status, existing problems, and future prospects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcutaneous acupoint stimulation (TAS), which are the most studied physical methods in non-invasive neuromodulation techniques to improve and enhance cognition. The findings presented in this paper will be of great reference value for the in-depth study of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in the field of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Lengjie Huang
- School of Electronics & Information Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (L.H.); (R.W.); (J.F.)
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Electronics & Information Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (L.H.); (R.W.); (J.F.)
| | - Jieying Fei
- School of Electronics & Information Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (L.H.); (R.W.); (J.F.)
| | - Huiquan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Jinhai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.C.); (H.W.)
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Figueroa-Vargas A, Góngora B, Alonso MF, Ortega A, Soto-Fernández P, Z-Rivera L, Ramírez S, González F, Muñoz Venturelli P, Billeke P. The effect of a cognitive training therapy based on stimulation of brain oscillations in patients with mild cognitive impairment in a Chilean sample: study protocol for a phase IIb, 2 × 3 mixed factorial, double-blind randomised controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:144. [PMID: 38395980 PMCID: PMC10885461 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ageing population has increased the prevalence of disabling and high-cost diseases, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The latter can be considered a prodromal phase of some dementias and a critical stage for interventions to postpone the impairment of functionality. Working memory (WM) is a pivotal cognitive function, representing the fundamental element of executive functions. This project proposes an intervention protocol to enhance WM in these users, combining cognitive training with transcranial electrical stimulation of alternating current (tACS). This technique has been suggested to enhance the neuronal plasticity needed for cognitive processes involving oscillatory patterns. WM stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its well-defined electrophysiological oscillations. Therefore, tACS could potentially boost WM in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS This study is a phase IIb randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 62 participants diagnosed with MCI, aged over 60, from Valparaíso, Chile. Participants will receive an intervention combining twelve cognitive training sessions with tACS. Participants will receive either tACS or placebo stimulation in eight out of twelve training sessions. Sessions will occur twice weekly over 6 weeks. The primary outcomes will be electroencephalographic measurements through the prefrontal theta oscillatory activity, while the secondary effects will be cognitive assessments of WM. The participants will be evaluated before, immediately after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention. DISCUSSION The outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence about the benefits and feasibility of an intervention that combines cognitive training with non-invasive brain stimulation. The objective is to contribute tools for optimal cognitive treatment in patients with MCI. To enhance WM capacity, postpone the impairment of functionality, and obtain a better quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05291208. Registered on 28 February 2022. ISRCTN87597719 retrospectively registered on 15 September 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Figueroa-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación del Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio LaNCE, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Begoña Góngora
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - María Francisca Alonso
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alonso Ortega
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Patricio Soto-Fernández
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Lucía Z-Rivera
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Sebastián Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación del Desarrollo en Cognición y Lenguaje (CIDCL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Francisca González
- Centro de Estudios Clínicos, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Muñoz Venturelli
- Centro de Estudios Clínicos, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Billeke
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación del Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
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Zhang R, Ren J, Zhang C. Efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation for schizophrenia treatment: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:52-63. [PMID: 37897837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.021] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is an innovative noninvasive technique in brain stimulation that involves applying a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp. And increasing evidence has revealed its potential in schizophrenia treatment. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tACS as a novel neurostimulation technique for improving cognitive impairment and alleviating psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Additionally, this review attempted to explore the impact of stimulation parameters on the effectiveness of tACS treatment. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO, to identify studies investigating the use of tACS in schizophrenia. Only studies that involved the experimental use of tACS in patients with schizophrenia were included in this review. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in this review. The most frequently used current intensities were 2 mA and 1 mA, and the most commonly used frequencies were alpha (10 Hz), theta (4.5 Hz and 6 Hz), and gamma (40 Hz). Some studies showed that tACS may have a potential therapeutic effect by improving cognitive functions in various cognitive domains and/or ameliorating negative symptoms, hallucinations, and delusions in patients with schizophrenia, while others showed no significant change. These studies also implicated that tACS treatment is safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this systematic review suggests that tACS has promise as a novel, effective, and adjunctive treatment approach for treating schizophrenia. Future research is needed to determine the optimal parameters of tACS for treating this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Juanjuan Ren
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Nissim NR, Pham DVH, Poddar T, Blutt E, Hamilton RH. The impact of gamma transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on cognitive and memory processes in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease: A literature review. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:748-755. [PMID: 37028756 PMCID: PMC10862495 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)-a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that modulates cortical oscillations through entrainment-has been demonstrated to alter oscillatory activity and enhance cognition in healthy adults. TACS is being explored as a tool to improve cognition and memory in patient populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To review the growing body of literature and current findings obtained from the application of tACS in patients with MCI or AD, highlighting the effects of gamma tACS on brain function, memory, and cognition. Evidence on the use of brain stimulation in animal models of AD is also discussed. Important parameters of stimulation are underscored for consideration in protocols that aim to apply tACS as a therapeutic tool in patients with MCI/AD. FINDINGS The application of gamma tACS has shown promising results in the improvement of cognitive and memory processes that are impacted in patients with MCI/AD. These data demonstrate the potential for tACS as an interventional stand-alone tool or alongside pharmacological and/or other behavioral interventions in MCI/AD. CONCLUSIONS While the use of tACS in MCI/AD has evidenced encouraging results, the effects of this stimulation technique on brain function and pathophysiology in MCI/AD remains to be fully determined. This review explores the literature and highlights the need for continued research on tACS as a tool to alter the course of the disease by reinstating oscillatory activity, improving cognitive and memory processing, delaying disease progression, and remediating cognitive abilities in patients with MCI/AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Nissim
- Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Einstein Medical Center, Elkins Park, PA, USA.
| | - D V H Pham
- Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - T Poddar
- Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - E Blutt
- Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - R H Hamilton
- Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Einstein Medical Center, Elkins Park, PA, USA.
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