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Sandrini M, Manenti R, Gobbi E, Pagnoni I, Geviti A, Alaimo C, Campana E, Binetti G, Cotelli M. Cognitive reserve predicts episodic memory enhancement induced by transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy older adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4879. [PMID: 38418583 PMCID: PMC10902403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53507-0] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Episodic memory shows the largest degree of age-related decline. Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can enhance episodic memory in aging but there is also evidence of response variability even when using identical stimulation parameters. To explore which inter-individual factors (i.e. age, education, encoding performance, cognitive reserve, tDCS group and timing of tDCS application) may directly and/or indirectly modulate verbal memory recall, we used data from our previous tDCS studies that showed enhanced episodic memory recall in 80 healthy older adults. In these studies we used the same paradigm and stimulation parameters but tDCS was applied during different memory stages. Memory recall was tested 48 hours and 30 days after encoding. Univariate regression models showed that tDCS group (Anodal vs. Sham) predicted memory recall, indicating higher scores in the Anodal group than in the Sham group. Encoding performance predicted memory recall in both tDCS groups. Multiple regression models revealed that cognitive reserve, measured with a life experience questionnaire, predicted memory recall only for the Anodal group. Higher cognitive reserve was linked to better memory recall. Accounting for individual differences in cognitive reserve at baseline helps to explain tDCS responsiveness. This knowledge may contribute to optimize its use in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sandrini
- School of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Rosa Manenti
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Gobbi
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Pagnoni
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Geviti
- Statistics Service, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Alaimo
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Campana
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- MAC Memory Clinic and Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Alipour M, Seok S, Mednick SC, Malerba P. A classification-based generative approach to selective targeting of global slow oscillations during sleep. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1342975. [PMID: 38415278 PMCID: PMC10896842 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1342975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Given sleep's crucial role in health and cognition, numerous sleep-based brain interventions are being developed, aiming to enhance cognitive function, particularly memory consolidation, by improving sleep. Research has shown that Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) during sleep can enhance memory performance, especially when used in a closed-loop (cl-tACS) mode that coordinates with sleep slow oscillations (SOs, 0.5-1.5Hz). However, sleep tACS research is characterized by mixed results across individuals, which are often attributed to individual variability. Objective/Hypothesis This study targets a specific type of SOs, widespread on the electrode manifold in a short delay ("global SOs"), due to their close relationship with long-term memory consolidation. We propose a model-based approach to optimize cl-tACS paradigms, targeting global SOs not only by considering their temporal properties but also their spatial profile. Methods We introduce selective targeting of global SOs using a classification-based approach. We first estimate the current elicited by various stimulation paradigms, and optimize parameters to match currents found in natural sleep during a global SO. Then, we employ an ensemble classifier trained on sleep data to identify effective paradigms. Finally, the best stimulation protocol is determined based on classification performance. Results Our study introduces a model-driven cl-tACS approach that specifically targets global SOs, with the potential to extend to other brain dynamics. This method establishes a connection between brain dynamics and stimulation optimization. Conclusion Our research presents a novel approach to optimize cl-tACS during sleep, with a focus on targeting global SOs. This approach holds promise for improving cl-tACS not only for global SOs but also for other physiological events, benefiting both research and clinical applications in sleep and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Alipour
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - SangCheol Seok
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sara C. Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine CA, United States
| | - Paola Malerba
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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Vandendoorent B, Nackaerts E, Zoetewei D, Hulzinga F, Gilat M, Orban de Xivry JJ, Nieuwboer A. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on learning in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Brain Cogn 2023; 171:106073. [PMID: 37611344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.106073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Older adults with and without Parkinson's disease show impaired retention after training of motor or cognitive skills. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to investigate whether adding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to motor or cognitive training versus placebo boosts motor sequence and working memory training. The effects of interest were estimated between three time points, i.e. pre-training, post-training and follow-up. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022348885). Electronic databases were searched from conception to March 2023. Following initial screening, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis and 20 could be included in the meta-analysis, of which 5 studies concerned motor sequence learning (total n = 186) and 15 working memory training (total n = 650). Results were pooled using an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis. The findings showed no statistically significant additional effects of tDCS over placebo on motor sequence learning outcomes. However, there was a strong trend showing that tDCS boosted working memory training, although methodological limitations and some heterogeneity were also apparent. In conclusion, the present findings do not support wide implementation of tDCS as an add-on to motor sequence training at the moment, but the promising results on cognitive training warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Vandendoorent
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evelien Nackaerts
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Demi Zoetewei
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Femke Hulzinga
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Moran Gilat
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Jacques Orban de Xivry
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alice Nieuwboer
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Imperio CM, Chua EF. Differential effects of remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation on recognition memory depending on task order. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1239126. [PMID: 37635805 PMCID: PMC10450219 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1239126] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prior work has shown positive effects of High Definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on semantic memory performance and metamemory monitoring accuracy. However, HD-tDCS requires setup by a trained researcher, which is not always feasible. Few studies have used remotely supervised (rs) tDCS in healthy populations, and remote supervision has strong practical benefits. Objective/hypothesis The goal of the current study was to test if previously shown effects of HD-tDCS over the left DLPFC on semantic memory performance and metamemory monitoring accuracy extended to conventional rs-tDCS, which is less focal than HD-tDCS, and to episodic memory and metamemory tasks. Materials and methods A total of 36 healthy participants completed 6 weeks of rs-tDCS sessions, with either active left or right anodal DLPFC stimulation, or sham. Participants completed semantic and episodic memory and metamemory tasks, which each lasted for three consecutive sessions, and session order was counterbalanced across participants. Results Overall, there were no main effects of rs-tDCS on metamemory monitoring accuracy or memory performance for either the semantic or the episodic tasks. However, there were effects of rs-tDCS that depended on the order of completing the episodic and semantic task sessions. When participants completed the semantic task sessions after the episodic task sessions, semantic recognition was greater in the left anodal DLPFC condition. In a parallel effect, when participants completed the episodic task sessions after the semantic task sessions, episodic recognition was greater in the right anodal DLPFC condition. Conclusion Prior experience with tDCS is a factor for effects of rs-tDCS on cognition. Additionally, the current experiment provides evidence for the feasibility of fully remotely supervised tDCS in healthy participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey M. Imperio
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth F. Chua
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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Assecondi S, Hu R, Kroeker J, Eskes G, Shapiro K. Older adults with lower working memory capacity benefit from transcranial direct current stimulation when combined with working memory training: A preliminary study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1009262. [PMID: 36299611 PMCID: PMC9589058 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1009262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a very diverse process: successful agers retain most cognitive functioning, while others experience mild to severe cognitive decline. This decline may eventually negatively impact one’s everyday activities. Therefore, scientists must develop approaches to counteract or, at least, slow down the negative change in cognitive performance of aging individuals. Combining cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising approach that capitalizes on the plasticity of brain networks. However, the efficacy of combined methods depends on individual characteristics, such as the cognitive and emotional state of the individual entering the training program. In this report, we explored the effectiveness of working memory training, combined with tDCS to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), to manipulate working memory performance in older individuals. We hypothesized that individuals with lower working memory capacity would benefit the most from the combined regimen. Thirty older adults took part in a 5-day combined regimen. Before and after the training, we evaluated participants’ working memory performance with five working memory tasks. We found that individual characteristics influenced the outcome of combined cognitive training and tDCS regimens, with the intervention selectively benefiting old-old adults with lower working memory capacity. Future work should consider developing individualized treatments by considering individual differences in cognitive profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Assecondi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences—CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health (CHBH), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Sara Assecondi, ,
| | - Rong Hu
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jacob Kroeker
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Gail Eskes
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kim Shapiro
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health (CHBH), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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