Cognitive Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Pilot TrialShow full item record
Title | Cognitive Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Pilot Trial |
---|---|
Author | Das, Namrata; Spence, Jeffrey S.; Aslan, Sina; Vanneste, Sven; Mudar, Raksha; Rackley, Audette; Quiceno, Mary; Chapman, Sandra Bond |
Date | 2019-04-12 |
Abstract | Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive stimulation, represents a potential intervention to enhance cognition across clinical populations including Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This randomized clinical trial in MCI investigated the effects of anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) delivered to left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) combined with gist-reasoning training (SMART) versus sham tDCS (s-tDCS) plus SMART on measures of cognitive and neural changes in resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF). We were also interested in SMART effects on cognitive performance regardless of the tDCS group. Methods: Twenty-two MCI participants, who completed the baseline cognitive assessment (T1), were randomized into one of two groups: a-tDCS + SMART and s-tDCS + SMART. Of which, 20 participants completed resting pCASL MRI scan to measure rCBF. Eight SMART sessions were administered over 4 weeks with a-tDCS or s-tDCS stimulation for 20 min before each session. Participants were assessed immediately (T2) and 3-months after training (T3). Results: Significant group x time interactions showed cognitive gains at T2 in executive function (EF) measure of inhibition [DKEFS- Color word (p = 0.047)], innovation [TOSL (p = 0.01)] and on episodic memory [TOSL (p = 0.048)] in s-tDCS + SMART but not in a-tDCS + SMART group. Nonetheless, the gains did not persist for 3 months (T3) after the training. A voxel-based analysis showed significant increase in regional rCBF in the right middle frontal cortex (MFC) (cluster-wise p = 0.05, k = 1,168 mm3) in a-tDCS + SMART compared to s-tDCS + SMART. No significant relationship was observed between the increased CBF with cognition. Irrespective of group, the combined MCI showed gains at T2 in EF of conceptual reasoning [DKEFS card sort (p = 0.033)] and category fluency [COWAT (p = 0.055)], along with gains at T3 in EF of verbal fluency [COWAT (p = 0.009)]. Conclusion: One intriguing finding is a-tDCS to left IFG plus SMART increased blood flow to right MFC, however, the stimulation seemingly blocked cognitive benefits of SMART on EF (inhibition and innovation) and episodic memory compared to s-tDCS + SMART group. Although the sample size is small, this paper contributes to growing evidence that cognitive training provides a way to significantly enhance cognitive performance in adults showing memory loss, where the role of a-tDCS in augmenting these effects need further study. |
Link | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.00307
https://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/35808 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00307/full |
Department | Burnett School of Medicine |
Subject | mild cognitive impairment
Alzheimer's disease transcranial direct current stimulation cerebral blood flow fMRI cognitive training strategic memory advanced reasoning training brain modulation |
Files in this item
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Research Publications [835]
Related items
Showing a few items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
The development and assessment of a cognitive process based learning strategy training program for enhancing prose comprehension and retention
Long, Gary L. (1977)The primary purpose of the present research was to lay the foundation for the development of a cognitive process based learning strategy training program. The following cognitive processes were identified and discussed in ... -
Effectiveness of immediate and delayed magnesium administration as a treatment for cognitive deficits following prefrontal cortex lesions in rats
Hart, Christian Lanier (1999)Both pre-injury and immediate post-injury administration of magnesium alleviates sensorimotor deficits following sensorimotor cortex damage. Furthermore, magnesium may alleviate sensorimotor deficits when administered weeks ... -
Evaluation of a cognitive tool for enhanced problem-solving and coping
Kreitler, Crystal Mata (2011)Many individuals have difficulty with problem-solving and coping, a phenomenon often exacerbated by excessive rumination over past trauma, and worry about the future. The present study examined the impact of a "fill-in-the-node" ...
© TCU Library 2015 | Contact Special Collections |
HTML Sitemap