1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu S, Liu Q, Zhang X, Zhou M, Zhou X, Ding F, Zhang R, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Zhao W. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhanced emotional inhibitory control via increasing intrinsic prefrontal couplings. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100462. [PMID: 38665809 PMCID: PMC11044052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibitory control represents a core executive function that critically facilitates adaptive behavior and survival in an ever-changing environment. Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been hypothesized to improve behavioral inhibition performance, however the neurocomputational mechanism of taVNS-induced neuroenhancement remains elusive. Method In the current study, we investigated the efficacy of taVNS in a sham-controlled between-subject functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) experiment with an emotional face Go/No-Go paradigm in ninety healthy young adults. Results After a data quality check, eighty-two subjects were included in the final data analysis. Behaviorally, the taVNS improved No-Go response accuracy, together with computational modeling using Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of the Drift Diffusion Model (HDDM) indicating that it specifically reduced the information accumulation rate for Go responses, and this was negatively associated with increased accuracy of No-Go responses. On the neural level, taVNS enhanced engagement of the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) during inhibition of angry expression faces and modulated functional couplings (FCs) within the prefrontal inhibitory control network. Mediation models revealed that taVNS-induced facilitation of inhibitory control was critically mediated by a decreased information accumulation for Go responses and concomitantly enhanced neurofunctional coupling between the inferior and orbital frontal cortex. Discussion Our findings demonstrate a potential for taVNS to improve emotional inhibitory control via reducing pre-potent responses and enhancing FCs within prefrontal inhibitory control networks, suggesting a promising therapeutic role in treating specific disorders characterized by inhibitory control deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
- The Laboratory of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Psychology and Behavior of Discipline Inspection and Supervision, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, PR China
| | - Qi Liu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Anhui Children's Hospital, Pediatric Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Hefei 230051, PR China
| | - Menghan Zhou
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, PR China
| | - Fangyuan Ding
- College of National Culture and Cognitive Science, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China, National Committee of Health and Family Planning of China and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Department of Psychology, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Weihua Zhao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fathi M, Pourrahimi AM, Poormohammad A, Sardari S, Rajizadeh MA, Mazhari S, Pourkand D. Video game addiction is associated with early stage of inhibitory control problems: An event-related potential study using cued Go/NoGo task. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13391. [PMID: 38564585 PMCID: PMC10986938 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13391] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Video game addiction (VGA) is associated with cognitive problems, particularly deficits in inhibitory control. The present study aimed to investigate behavioural responses and event-related potential associated with specific response inhibition using the cued Go/NoGo task to examine the effects of VGA on brain activity related to response inhibition. Twenty-five individuals addicted to video games (action video games) and 25 matched healthy controls participated in the study. The results showed that the VGA group had significantly more commission error in the NoGo trials and faster reaction time in the Go trials compared with the control group. The event-related potential analyses revealed significant reductions in amplitudes of N2 cue and N2 NoGo in the VGA group. While there was no significant difference between the N2 amplitudes of the Go and NoGo trials in the VGA group, the control group had a larger N2 amplitude in the NoGo trials. These results indicate that VGA subjects have difficulties in the early stages of response inhibition, as well as some level of impairment in proactive cognitive control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mazyar Fathi
- Ibn‐e‐Sina and Dr Hejazi Psychiatry HospitalMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Kerman Neuroscience Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | | | - Ahmad Poormohammad
- Ibn‐e‐Sina and Dr Hejazi Psychiatry HospitalMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Kerman Neuroscience Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Sara Sardari
- Kerman Neuroscience Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | | | - Shahrzad Mazhari
- Kerman Neuroscience Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen L, He J, Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhang L, Gu B, Liu X, Ming D. Influence of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor Planning: A Resting-State and Task-State EEG Study. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2024; 28:1374-1385. [PMID: 37824310 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3324085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) shows a potential regulatory role for motor planning. Still, existing research mainly focuses on behavioral studies, and the neural modulation mechanism needs to be clarified. Therefore, we designed a multi-condition (active or sham, pre or under, difficult or easy, left-hand or right-hand) motor planning experiment to explore the effect of online tVNS (i.e., tVNS and tasks synchronized). Twenty-eight subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to active and sham groups. Both groups performed the same tasks in the experiment and separately collected task-state EEG and 5-min eye-open resting-state EEG. The results showed that the changes in event-related potential (ERP) and movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) amplitudes were more significant for the left-hand difficult task (LD) under active-tVNS. According to the power spectrum results, active-tVNS significantly modulated the activities of the contralateral motor cortex at beta and gamma bands in the resting state. The functional connectivity based on partial directed coherence (PDC) showed significant changes in the parietal lobe after active-tVNS. These findings suggest that tVNS is a promising way to improve motor planning ability.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen L, Tang C, Wang Z, Zhang L, Gu B, Liu X, Ming D. Enhancing Motor Sequence Learning via Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS): An EEG Study. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2024; 28:1285-1296. [PMID: 38109248 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3344176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Motor learning plays a crucial role in human life, and various neuromodulation methods have been utilized to strengthen or improve it. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has gained increasing attention due to its non-invasive nature, affordability and ease of implementation. Although the potential of taVNS on regulating motor learning has been suggested, its actual regulatory effect has yet been fully explored. Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis provides an in-depth understanding of cognitive processes involved in motor learning so as to offer methodological support for regulation of motor learning. To investigate the effect of taVNS on motor learning, this study recruited 22 healthy subjects to participate a single-blind, sham-controlled, and within-subject serial reaction time task (SRTT) experiment. Every subject involved in two sessions at least one week apart and received a 20-minute active/sham taVNS in each session. Behavioral indicators as well as EEG characteristics during the task state, were extracted and analyzed. The results revealed that compared to the sham group, the active group showed higher learning performance. Additionally, the EEG results indicated that after taVNS, the motor-related cortical potential amplitudes and alpha-gamma modulation index decreased significantly and functional connectivity based on partial directed coherence towards frontal lobe was enhanced. These findings suggest that taVNS can improve motor learning, mainly through enhancing cognitive and memory functions rather than simple movement learning. This study confirms the positive regulatory effect of taVNS on motor learning, which is particularly promising as it offers a potential avenue for enhancing motor skills and facilitating rehabilitation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Zhang J, Cong S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: a new strategy for Alzheimer's disease intervention through the brain-gut-microbiota axis? Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1334887. [PMID: 38476661 PMCID: PMC10927744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1334887] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify-most of the time probably in a non-physiological way-the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Linna Wu
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pan L, Wang J, Wu W, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Song Y. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves working memory in temporal lobe epilepsy: A randomized double-blind study. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14395. [PMID: 37553557 PMCID: PMC10848055 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the impact of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on working memory (WM) in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS In this randomized double-blind study, 28 rTLE patients were subjected to an active or sham taVNS (a/s-taVNS) protocol for 20 weeks (a-taVNS group, n = 19; s-ta VNS group, n = 9). Patients performed visual WM tasks during stimulation and neural oscillations were simultaneously recorded by 19-channel electroencephalography. RESULTS Compared with the baseline state, reaction time was significantly shorter after 20 weeks of taVNS in the a-taVNS group (p = 0.010), whereas no difference was observed in the s-taVNS group (p > 0.05). The power spectral density (PSD) of the theta frequency band in the Fz channel decreased significantly after a-taVNS during WM-encoding (p = 0.020), maintenance (p = 0.038), and retrieval (p = 0.039) phases, but not in the s-taVNS group (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Neural oscillations during WM were altered by taVNS and WM performance was improved. Alterations in frontal midline theta oscillations may be a marker for the effect of taVNS on cognitive regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Pan
- General Medicine DepartmentTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Jiajing Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjinChina
- Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and TechnologyLuoyangChina
| | | | | | - Yijun Song
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjinChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hwang RJ, Chen HJ, Ni LF, Liu TY, Shih YL, Chuang YO. Neurobiological effects of exercise intervention for premenstrual syndrome. Cogn Neurodyn 2023; 17:1297-1308. [PMID: 37786666 PMCID: PMC10542049 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-022-09893-0] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Up to 75%-90% of women have varying degrees of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Exercises are recognized to be beneficial to regulate the negative emotions associated with PMS; however, the effects of exercise on sadness inhibition have not yet been investigated from the neurobiological perspective. Purpose This study examined the effects of a single exercise intervention on the neural mechanisms mediating sadness response inhibition at the cortical level using multichannel event-related potential (ERP) recording in women with PMS. Methods Participants performed Go/No-go trials while viewing of sad or neutral images before and after exercise intervention, and changes in the No-go-evoked N200 (N2) ERP component were measured by electroencephalography (EEG) at multiple cortical sites. The associations of PMS Inventory scores with N2 amplitude and latency changes were then examined using Pearson's correlation analysis. Results There were no significant differences in N2 latency and response error rate following exercise compared to baseline. However, women with higher PMS Inventory scores (greater symptom severity) demonstrated significantly lengthen N2 latency at the Fz electrode sites during correct sad face No-go trials after exercise (p < 0.05), which was not the case in the pre-exercise baseline. We detected no significant relationship between the PMS score and N2 amplitude, either pre- or post-exercise. Conclusion Women with higher PMS severity exhibited longer sad N2 latencies as well as slow down the speed of reaction to negative stimuli by exercise, suggesting that the prefrontal emotion regulation network is involved in PMS symptoms and is sensitive to the beneficial effects of exercise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Jen Hwang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261 Wei-Hwa 1st Rd, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Clinical Competency Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ju Chen
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261 Wei-Hwa 1st Rd, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Fen Ni
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261 Wei-Hwa 1st Rd, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Clinical Competency Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ying Liu
- Science & Technology Policy Research and Information Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Shih
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-O. Chuang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Naparstek S, Yeh AK, Mills-Finnerty C. Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) applications in cognitive aging: a review and commentary. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1145207. [PMID: 37496757 PMCID: PMC10366452 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1145207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiating healthy from pathological aging trajectories is extremely timely, as the global population faces an inversion where older adults will soon outnumber younger 5:1. Many cognitive functions (e.g., memory, executive functions, and processing speed) decline with age, a process that can begin as early as midlife, and which predicts subsequent diagnosis with dementia. Although dementia is a devastating and costly diagnosis, there remains limited evidence for medications, therapies, and devices that improve cognition or attenuate the transition into dementia. There is an urgent need to intervene early in neurodegenerative processes leading to dementia (e.g., depression and mild cognitive impairment). In this targeted review and commentary, we highlight transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) as a neurostimulation method with unique opportunities for applications in diseases of aging, reviewing recent literature, feasibility of use with remote data collection methods/telehealth, as well as limitations and conflicts in the literature. In particular, small sample sizes, uneven age distributions of participants, lack of standardized protocols, and oversampling of non-representative groups (e.g., older adults with no comorbid diagnoses) limit our understanding of the potential of this method. We offer recommendations for how to improve representativeness, statistical power, and generalizability of tVNS research by integrating remote data collection techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Naparstek
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ashley K. Yeh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Colleen Mills-Finnerty
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang C, Zeng L, Cao X, Dai J, Liu Y, Gao Z, Qin Y, Yang L, Wang H, Wen Z. Synergistic effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and inhibitory control training on electrophysiological performance in healthy adults. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1123860. [PMID: 36968500 PMCID: PMC10033592 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1123860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive nerve stimulation technique that exerts a positive “exogenous” online neuromodulatory effect on inhibitory control (IC). Additionally, IC training (ICT) is an effective approach for enhancing IC via the “endogenous” activation of brain regions implicated in this process. The aim of the present study was to examine the synergistic effects of tVNS and ICT on IC enhancement. For this, we measured the changes in neural activity in frontal, fronto-central, and central regions in the time domain of the N2 component and the frequency domain of alpha power during the stop signal task. A total of 58 participants were randomly divided into four groups that received five sessions of either ICT or sham ICT with either online tVNS or sham tVNS. No differences in N2 amplitude were detected after any of the interventions. However, N2 latency shortened after tVNS + ICT in frontal, fronto-central, and central regions. N2 latency shortened after the intervention of sham tVNS + ICT in frontal region. Moreover, alpha power after tVNS + ICT intervention was larger than those of the other interventions in frontal, fronto-central, and central regions. The obtained electrophysiological data suggested that combining tVNS with ICT has synergistic ameliorative effects on IC, and provide evidence supporting the IC-enhancing potential of tVNS combined with ICT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunchen Wang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lingwei Zeng
- Department of Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinsheng Cao
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhijun Gao
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yilong Qin
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Lin Yang,
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Hang Wang,
| | - Zhihong Wen
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihong Wen,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Occupational Burnout Is Linked with Inefficient Executive Functioning, Elevated Average Heart Rate, and Decreased Physical Activity in Daily Life - Initial Evidence from Teaching Professionals. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121723. [PMID: 36552182 PMCID: PMC9775632 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Burnout is becoming a global pandemic jeopardizing brain health, with a huge impact on quality of life, available workforce, and the economy. Knowledge of the impact of burnout on cognition, physiology, and physical activity (PA) in daily life allows for an improved understanding of the health consequences and everyday ramifications of burnout. Twenty-eight volunteers participated in a three-day recording of daily physiology and PA, including heart rate (HR) and daily steps, with a wearable device. They filled in questionnaires screening for burnout (BBI-15), depression (BDI), and executive functions (EFs) in daily life (BRIEF-A). The subjects with burnout had more challenges in EFs, higher average HRs and lower numbers of steps in daily life than those without it. The BBI-15 scores correlated positively with the BDI scores and BRIEF-A indices and negatively with the awake HR variability (HRV) and daily steps. The metacognition index correlated negatively with the HRV. In conclusion, burnout is linked with compromised EFs along with alterations in cardiac physiology and PA in daily life. Such alterations may be easily detected with wearable devices, opening possibilities for novel biomarkers of burnout and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We suggest that physical activity and heart and brain health are intimately intertwined and that burnout interacts with each of them bidirectionally.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen PC, Zhang J, Thayer JF, Mednick SC. Understanding the roles of central and autonomic activity during sleep in the improvement of working memory and episodic memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2123417119. [PMID: 36279428 PMCID: PMC9636982 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123417119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen significant progress in identifying sleep mechanisms that support cognition. Most of these studies focus on the link between electrophysiological events of the central nervous system during sleep and improvements in different cognitive domains, while the dynamic shifts of the autonomic nervous system across sleep have been largely overlooked. Recent studies, however, have identified significant contributions of autonomic inputs during sleep to cognition. Yet, there remain considerable gaps in understanding how central and autonomic systems work together during sleep to facilitate cognitive improvement. In this article we examine the evidence for the independent and interactive roles of central and autonomic activities during sleep and wake in cognitive processing. We specifically focus on the prefrontal-subcortical structures supporting working memory and mechanisms underlying the formation of hippocampal-dependent episodic memory. Our Slow Oscillation Switch Model identifies separate and competing underlying mechanisms supporting the two memory domains at the synaptic, systems, and behavioral levels. We propose that sleep is a competitive arena in which both memory domains vie for limited resources, experimentally demonstrated when boosting one system leads to a functional trade-off in electrophysiological and behavioral outcomes. As these findings inevitably lead to further questions, we suggest areas of future research to better understand how the brain and body interact to support a wide range of cognitive domains during a single sleep episode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Chun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Julian F. Thayer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Sara C. Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Syrov N, Yakovlev L, Nikolaeva V, Kaplan A, Lebedev M. Mental Strategies in a P300-BCI: Visuomotor Transformation Is an Option. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2607. [PMID: 36359454 PMCID: PMC9689852 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, P300-BCIs are mostly used for spelling tasks, where the number of commands is equal to the number of stimuli that evoke event-related potentials (ERPs). Increasing this number slows down the BCI operation because each stimulus has to be presented several times for better classification. Furthermore, P300 spellers typically do not utilize potentially useful imagery-based approaches, such as the motor imagery successfully practiced in motor rehabilitation. Here, we tested a P300-BCI with a motor-imagery component. In this BCI, the number of commands was increased by adding mental strategies instead of increasing the number of targets. Our BCI had only two stimuli and four commands. The subjects either counted target appearances mentally or imagined hand movements toward the targets. In this design, the motor-imagery paradigm enacted a visuomotor transformation known to engage cortical and subcortical networks participating in motor control. The operation of these networks suffers in neurological conditions such as stroke, so we view this BCI as a potential tool for the rehabilitation of patients. As an initial step toward the development of this clinical method, sixteen healthy participants were tested. Consistent with our expectation that mental strategies would result in distinct EEG activities, ERPs were different depending on whether subjects counted stimuli or imagined movements. These differences were especially clear in the late ERP components localized in the frontal and centro-parietal regions. We conclude that (1) the P300 paradigm is suitable for enacting visuomotor transformations and (2) P300-based BCIs with multiple mental strategies could be used in applications where the number of possible outputs needs to be increased while keeping the number of targets constant. As such, our approach adds to both the development of versatile BCIs and clinical approaches to rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Syrov
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lev Yakovlev
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Varvara Nikolaeva
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Kaplan
- Baltic Center for Neurotechnology and Artificial Intellect, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology and Neuro-Computer Interfaces, Human and Animal Physiology Department, School of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Lebedev
- V. Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gianlorenco ACL, de Melo PS, Marduy A, Kim AY, Kim CK, Choi H, Song JJ, Fregni F. Electroencephalographic Patterns in taVNS: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092208. [PMID: 36140309 PMCID: PMC9496216 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092208] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a newer delivery system using a non-invasive stimulation device placed at the ear. taVNS research is focused on clinical trials showing potential therapeutic benefits, however the neurophysiological effects of this stimulation on brain activity are still unclear. We propose a systematic review that aims to describe the effects of taVNS on EEG measures and identify taVNS parameters that can potentially lead to consistent EEG-mediated biomarkers for this therapy. A systematic literature review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. Clinical trials examining EEG parameters were considered, including absolute and relative power, coherence, degree of symmetry, evoked potentials, and peak frequency of all bands. According to our criteria, 18 studies (from 122 articles) were included. Our findings show a general trend towards increased EEG power spectrum activity in lower frequencies, and changes on early components of the ERP related to inhibitory tasks. This review suggests that quantitative electroencephalography can be used to assess the effects of taVNS on brain activity, however more studies are needed to systematically establish the specific effects and metrics that would reflect the non-invasive stimulation through the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolyna L. Gianlorenco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos 13565-090, Brazil
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Paulo S. de Melo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Medicine, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador 40290-000, Brazil
| | - Anna Marduy
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- União Metropolitana de Ensino e Cultura (UNIME) Salvador, Salvador 42700-000, Brazil
| | - Angela Yun Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08308, Korea
| | - Chi Kyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Korea
| | - Hyuk Choi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 08308, Korea
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae 08308, Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08308, Korea
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae 08308, Korea
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang C, Cao X, Gao Z, Liu Y, Wen Z. Training and Transfer Effects of Combining Inhibitory Control Training With Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Healthy Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:858938. [PMID: 35519660 PMCID: PMC9062127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control training (ICT) is a promising method to improve individual performance of inhibitory control (IC). Recent studies have suggested transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) as a novel approach to affect cognitive function owing to its ability to modulate the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system. To examine the synergistic effects of combining ICT with tVNS, 58 young males in college were randomly assigned to four groups: ICT + tVNS, ICT + sham tVNS, sham ICT + tVNS, and sham ICT + sham tVNS. Participants were instructed to complete three sessions that comprised pre-training tests, a training session, and post-training tests sequentially. Results showed that the ICT + tVNS group significantly improved training and near-transfer effects on the stop-signal and Go/No-go tasks, and these effects were larger than those of the other groups. However, none of the groups exhibited the far-transfer effect on the color-word Stroop task. These results suggest that tVNS augments the intervention effects of training and similar inhibition tasks to achieve the synergistic effect; however, it does not modulate the effects of non-training tasks and obtain the far-transfer effect. ICT combined with tVNS may be a valuable intervention for improving IC in healthy individuals in certain industries and offers novel research ideas for using tVNS for cognitive improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunchen Wang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinsheng Cao
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhijun Gao
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhihong Wen
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu S, Zhang X, Zhou M, Kendrick KM, Zhao W. Therapeutic applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation with potential for application in neurodevelopmental or other pediatric disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000758. [PMID: 36313768 PMCID: PMC9596914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a newly developed technique involves stimulating the cutaneous receptive field formed by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in the outer ear, with resulting activation of vagal connections to central and peripheral nervous systems. Increasing evidence indicates that maladaptive neural plasticity may underlie the pathology of several pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavioral disorder and stress-related disorder. Vagal stimulation may therefore provide a useful intervention for treating maladaptive neural plasticity. In the current review we summarize the current literature primarily on therapeutic use in adults and discuss the prospects of applying taVNS as a therapeutic intervention in specific pediatric neurodevelopmental and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we also briefly discuss factors that would help optimize taVNS protocols in future clinical applications. We conclude from these initial findings that taVNS may be a promising alternative treatment for pediatric disorders which do not respond to other interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Menghan Zhou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M. Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihua Zhao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Guangdong, Dongguan, China
- *Correspondence: Weihua Zhao,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Competitive dynamics underlie cognitive improvements during sleep. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2109339118. [PMID: 34903651 PMCID: PMC8713802 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109339118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep facilitates both long-term episodic memory consolidation and short-term working memory functioning. However, the mechanism by which the sleeping brain performs both complex feats and which sleep features are associated with these processes remain unclear. Using a pharmacological approach, we demonstrate that long-term and working memory are served by distinct offline neural mechanisms and that these mechanisms are mutually antagonistic. We propose a sleep switch model in which the brain toggles between the two memory processes via a complex interaction at the synaptic, systems, and mechanistic level with implications for research on cognitive disturbances observed in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease, both of which involve the decline of sleep. We provide evidence that human sleep is a competitive arena in which cognitive domains vie for limited resources. Using pharmacology and effective connectivity analysis, we demonstrate that long-term memory and working memory are served by distinct offline neural mechanisms that are mutually antagonistic. Specifically, we administered zolpidem to increase central sigma activity and demonstrated targeted suppression of autonomic vagal activity. With effective connectivity, we determined the central activity has greater causal influence over autonomic activity, and the magnitude of this influence during sleep produced a behavioral trade-off between offline long-term and working memory processing. These findings suggest a sleep switch mechanism that toggles between central sigma-dependent long-term memory and autonomic vagal-dependent working memory processing.
Collapse
|
18
|
Cervical transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (ctVNS) improves human cognitive performance under sleep deprivation stress. Commun Biol 2021; 4:634. [PMID: 34112935 PMCID: PMC8192899 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a pervasive public health and safety issue. Common fatigue countermeasures include caffeine or other chemical stimulants. These can be effective in limited circumstances but other non-pharmacological fatigue countermeasures such as non-invasive electrical neuromodulation have shown promise. It is reasonable to suspect that other types of non-invasive neuromodulation may be similarly effective or perhaps even superior. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of cervical transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (ctVNS) to mitigate the negative effects of fatigue on cognition and mood. Two groups (active or sham stimulation) of twenty participants in each group completed 34 h of sustained wakefulness. The ctVNS group performed significantly better on arousal, multi-tasking, and reported significantly lower fatigue ratings compared to sham for the duration of the study. CtVNS could be a powerful fatigue countermeasure tool that is easy to administer, long-lasting, and has fewer side-effects compared to common pharmacological interventions.
Collapse
|
19
|
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A viable option? PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 264:171-190. [PMID: 34167655 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) suffer from a range of cognitive and behavioral problems that severely impair their educational and occupational attainment. ADHD symptoms have been linked to structural and functional changes within and between different brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex. At the system level, reduced availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) but also γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been repeatedly demonstrated. Recently, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been explored as treatment alternatives to alter dysfunctional activation patterns in specified brain areas or networks. In the current paper, we introduce transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) as a systemic approach to directly affect NE and GABA neurotransmission. TVNS is a non-drug intervention with low risk and proven efficacy in improving cognitive particularly executive functions. It is easy to apply and therefore well-suited to provide home-based or mobile treatment options allowing a significant increase in treatment intensity and providing easier access to medical care for individuals who are unable to regularly visit a clinician. We describe in detail the underlying mechanisms of tVNS and current fields of application and discuss its potential as an adjuvant treatment for ADHD.
Collapse
|
20
|
Peräkylä J, Järventausta K, Haapaniemi P, Camprodon JA, Hartikainen KM. Threat-Modulation of Executive Functions-A Novel Biomarker of Depression? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:670974. [PMID: 34276442 PMCID: PMC8283506 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.670974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alterations in executive functions, emotion regulation, and their interaction are common concomitants of depression. Executive dysfunction frequently lingers after treatment, has adverse effects on daily life, and predisposes to recurrence of depression. Yet, sensitive measures of executive function for reliable assessment of cognitive outcomes are still lacking in clinical practice. To better understand the impact of depression and its most effective treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), on cognition, we assessed executive functions pre- and post-ECT and whether objective measures reflecting alterations in emotion-executive function interaction correlate with depression severity or with cognitive outcome. Methods: Executive functions were assessed in 21 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after ECT using subjective measures from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version (BRIEF-A) and objective cognitive performance measures derived from computer-based test of executive function, Executive Reaction Time (RT) Test. In addition, we created novel indices reflecting emotional modulation of cognitive performance by subtracting different performance measures in the context of neutral distractors from those in the context of threat-related distractors. We correlated these indices with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and BRIEF-A scores. Results: Depression was significantly alleviated, and executive functions improved post-ECT, as seen in reduced BDI scores, BRIEF-A scores, and number of errors in Executive RT Test. Pre-ECT BDI scores correlated with threat modulation of RT (tmRT) and threat modulation of working memory (tmWM). Post-ECT tmRT correlated with several Behavioral Regulation scales and tmWM with several Metacognition scales of BRIEF-A. Conclusion: While caution is warranted, results from both subjective and objective measures suggest that ECT significantly improves executive functions and emotion regulation along with alleviation of depression. Novel indices derived from threat modulation of executive function and working memory show promise as objective biomarkers of depression severity pre-ECT and cognitive outcome post-ECT with potential for guiding depression treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jari Peräkylä
- Behavioral Neurology Research Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kaija Järventausta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Piia Haapaniemi
- Behavioral Neurology Research Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joan A Camprodon
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaisa M Hartikainen
- Behavioral Neurology Research Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|