Improving Cognition in Older Adults Through Transcranial Electrical Stimulation And Cognitive Training

von Lukas Diedrich
Kumulative Dissertation
Datum der mündl. Prüfung:2024-01-26
Erschienen:2024-07-23
Betreuer:Prof. Dr. Andrea Antal
Gutachter:Prof. Dr. Hansjörg Scherberger
Gutachter:Dr. Caspar M. Schwiedrzik
Zum Verlinken/Zitieren: http://dx.doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10637

 

 

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Zusammenfassung

Englisch

The progressive aging of the global population continues unabated. Consequently, there is a substantial increase in the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders, primarily observed in the elderly. Current pharmacological treatments have proven insufficient in effectively counteracting cognitive decline. Two promising non-drug interventions are Cognitive Training (CT) and low-intensity transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES). These interventions exhibit varied effectiveness, with different types of CT and tES variants showing potential in enhancing specific cognitive functions. Additionally, the concurrent application of both methods holds promise for amplifying cognitive benefits. Despite this potential, existing studies predominantly involve young participants and small sample sizes. Moreover, many findings are derived from single interventions, and lacking long-term assessments. In response, this dissertation presents the results of a randomized, sham-controlled, two-center clinical trial, investigating the immediate and long-term neurocognitive benefits of a 16-day intervention combining either anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) or theta–gamma transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) with Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) in older adults. Key findings include the efficacy of anodal tDCS administered to the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) in augmenting cognitive benefits induced by CCT, resulting in enduring improvements in global cognition and episodic memory among the elderly. In contrast, the concurrent application of theta–gamma tACS targeting the bilateral DLPFC during CCT did not surpass sham-assisted CCT in enhancing overall cognitive functioning and did not consistently demonstrate superiority in improving episodic memory processes. However, repeated theta–gamma tACS proved effective in enhancing non-declarative visuomotor learning and boosting Working Memory (WM) performance during CCT. In conclusion, this dissertation contributes valuable insights into the potential of combined tES and CCT interventions to enhance cognitive functions in the aging population. In addition, this work underscores the pivotal role of prefrontal theta–gamma coupling in cognitive processes, substantiating its involvement in WM functioning and suggesting its relevance in implicit learning. The findings lay the foundation for future research aimed at refining interventions, understanding underlying mechanisms, and addressing the complex landscape of cognitive decline in older adults.
Keywords: Brain stimulation; Cognitive Training; Aging
 
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