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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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Lee YS, Kim WJ, Shim M, Hong KH, Choi H, Song JJ, Hwang HJ. Investigating neuromodulatory effect of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation on resting-state electroencephalography. Biomed Eng Lett 2024; 14:677-687. [PMID: 38946812 PMCID: PMC11208373 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-024-00361-8] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuromodulatory effects of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and determine optimal taVNS duration to induce the meaningful neuromodulatroty effects using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Method: Fifteen participants participated in this study and taVNS was applied to the cymba conchae for a duration of 40 min. Resting-state EEG was measured before and during taVNS application. EEG power spectral density (PSD) and brain network indices (clustering coefficient and path length) were calculated across five frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma), respectively, to assess the neuromodulatory effect of taVNS. Moreover, we divided the whole brain region into the five regions of interest (frontal, central, left temporal, right temporal, and occipital) to confirm the neuromodulation effect on each specific brain region. Result: Our results demonstrated a significant increase in EEG frequency powers across all five frequency bands during taVNS. Furthermore, significant changes in network indices were observed in the theta and gamma bands compared to the pre-taVNS measurements. These effects were particularly pronounced after approximately 10 min of stimulation, with a more dominant impact observed after approximately 20-30 min of taVNS application. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that taVNS can effectively modulate the brain activity, thereby exerting significant effects on brain characteristics. Moreover, taVNS duration of approximately 20-30 min was considered appropriate for inducing a stable and efficient neuromodulatory effects. Consequently, these findings have the potential to contribute to research aimed at enhancing cognitive and motor functions through the modulation of EEG using taVNS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-024-00361-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sung Lee
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Kim
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Miseon Shim
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Tech University of Korea, Siheung, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hwan Hong
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Choi
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 028411 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, 08308 Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Jeong Hwang
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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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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Whittaker HT, Khayyat L, Fortier-Lavallée J, Laverdière M, Bélanger C, Zatorre RJ, Albouy P. Information-based rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation to accelerate learning during auditory working memory training: a proof-of-concept study. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1355565. [PMID: 38638697 PMCID: PMC11024337 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1355565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rhTMS) has been shown to enhance auditory working memory manipulation, specifically by boosting theta oscillatory power in the dorsal auditory pathway during task performance. It remains unclear whether these enhancements (i) persist beyond the period of stimulation, (ii) if they can accelerate learning and (iii) if they would accumulate over several days of stimulation. In the present study, we investigated the lasting behavioral and electrophysiological effects of applying rhTMS over the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS) throughout the course of seven sessions of cognitive training on an auditory working memory task. Methods A limited sample of 14 neurologically healthy participants took part in the training protocol with an auditory working memory task while being stimulated with either theta (5 Hz) rhTMS or sham TMS. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded before, throughout five training sessions and after the end of training to assess to effects of rhTMS on behavioral performance and on oscillatory entrainment of the dorsal auditory network. Results We show that this combined approach enhances theta oscillatory activity within the fronto-parietal network and causes improvements in auditoryworking memory performance. We show that compared to individuals who received sham stimulation, cognitive training can be accelerated when combined with optimized rhTMS, and that task performance benefits can outlast the training period by ∼ 3 days. Furthermore, we show that there is increased theta oscillatory power within the recruited dorsal auditory network during training, and that sustained EEG changes can be observed ∼ 3 days following stimulation. Discussion The present study, while underpowered for definitive statistical analyses, serves to improve our understanding of the causal dynamic interactions supporting auditory working memory. Our results constitute an important proof of concept for the potential translational impact of non-invasive brain stimulation protocols and provide preliminary data for developing optimized rhTMS and training protocols that could be implemented in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather T. Whittaker
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) - Centre for Research on Brain Language and Music (CRBLM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lina Khayyat
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Megan Laverdière
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Carole Bélanger
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert J. Zatorre
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) - Centre for Research on Brain Language and Music (CRBLM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Albouy
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) - Centre for Research on Brain Language and Music (CRBLM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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Varadharajan A, Gandhi S, Menon AJ, Rai P, Issac TG. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation - A Novel Way Forward in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Therapeutics. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:1035-1036. [PMID: 38229621 PMCID: PMC10789416 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_586_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashvin Varadharajan
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandhya Gandhi
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjana J Menon
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja Rai
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Thomas Gregor Issac
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Qi F, Nitsche MA, Ren X, Wang D, Wang L. Top-down and bottom-up stimulation techniques combined with action observation treatment in stroke rehabilitation: a perspective. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1156987. [PMID: 37497013 PMCID: PMC10367110 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1156987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a central nervous system disease that causes structural lesions and functional impairments of the brain, resulting in varying types, and degrees of dysfunction. The bimodal balance-recovery model (interhemispheric competition model and vicariation model) has been proposed as the mechanism of functional recovery after a stroke. We analyzed how combinations of motor observation treatment approaches, transcranial electrical (TES) or magnetic (TMS) stimulation and peripheral electrical (PES) or magnetic (PMS) stimulation techniques can be taken as accessorial physical therapy methods on symptom reduction of stroke patients. We suggest that top-down and bottom-up stimulation techniques combined with action observation treatment synergistically might develop into valuable physical therapy strategies in neurorehabilitation after stroke. We explored how TES or TMS intervention over the contralesional hemisphere or the lesioned hemisphere combined with PES or PMS of the paretic limbs during motor observation followed by action execution have super-additive effects to potentiate the effect of conventional treatment in stroke patients. The proposed paradigm could be an innovative and adjunctive approach to potentiate the effect of conventional rehabilitation treatment, especially for those patients with severe motor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxue Qi
- Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Xiping Ren
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Duanwei Wang
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Physical Fitness, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 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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