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Niemann F, Riemann S, Hubert AK, Antonenko D, Thielscher A, Martin AK, Unger N, Flöel A, Meinzer M. Electrode positioning errors reduce current dose for focal tDCS set-ups: Evidence from individualized electric field mapping. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 162:201-209. [PMID: 38643613 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.03.031] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrode positioning errors contribute to variability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects. We investigated the impact of electrode positioning errors on current flow for tDCS set-ups with different focality. METHODS Deviations from planned electrode positions were determined using data acquired in an experimental study (N = 240 datasets) that administered conventional and focal tDCS during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Comparison of individualized electric field modeling for planned and empirically derived "actual" electrode positions was conducted to quantify the impact of positioning errors on the electric field dose in target regions for tDCS. RESULTS Planned electrode positions resulted in higher current dose in the target regions for focal compared to conventional montages (7-12%). Deviations from planned positions significantly reduced current flow in the target regions, selectively for focal set-ups (26-30%). Dose reductions were significantly larger for focal compared to conventional set-ups (29-43%). CONCLUSIONS Precise positioning is crucial when using focal tDCS set-ups to avoid significant reductions of current dose in the intended target regions. SIGNIFICANCE Our results highlight the urgent need to routinely implement methods for improving electrode positioning, minimization of electrode drift, verification of electrode positions before and/or after tDCS and also to consider positioning errors when investigating dose-response relationships, especially for focal set-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Niemann
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Riemann
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Hubert
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Technical University of Denmark, Department of Health Technology, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrew K Martin
- Kent University, School of Psychology, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Unger
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE Site Greifswald), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marcus Meinzer
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany.
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2
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Lin FV, Heffner KL. Autonomic nervous system flexibility for understanding brain aging. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102016. [PMID: 37459967 PMCID: PMC10530154 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102016] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
A recent call was made for autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures as digital health markers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (AD/ADRD). Nevertheless, contradictory or inconclusive findings exist. To help advance understanding of ANS' role in dementia, we draw upon aging and dementia-related literature, and propose a framework that centers on the role of ANS flexibility to guide future work on application of ANS function to differentiating the degree and type of dementia-related brain pathologies. We first provide a brief review of literature within the past 10 years on ANS and dementia-related brain pathologies. Next, we present an ANS flexibility model, describing how the model can be applied to understand these brain pathologies, as well as differentiate or even be leveraged to modify typical brain aging and dementia. Lastly, we briefly discuss the implication of the model for understanding resilience and vulnerability to dementia-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng V Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, USA.
| | - Kathi L Heffner
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, USA
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3
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Bagattini C, Cid-Fernández S, Bulgari M, Miniussi C, Bortoletto M. Opposite pattern of transcranial direct current stimulation effects in middle-aged and older adults: Behavioral and neurophysiological evidence. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1087749. [PMID: 36761183 PMCID: PMC9905246 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1087749] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Episodic memory (EM) exhibits an age-related decline, with overall increased impairment after the age of 65. The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to ameliorate cognitive decline in ageing has been extensively investigated, but its efficacy has been reported with mixed results. In this study, we aimed to assess whether age contributes to interindividual variability in tDCS efficacy. Methods Thirty-eight healthy adults between 50 and 81 years old received anodal tDCS over the left prefrontal cortex during images encoding and then performed an EM recognition task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Results Our results showed an opposite pattern of effect between middle-aged (50-64 years) and older (65-81 years) adults. Specifically, performance in the recognition task after tDCS was enhanced in older adults and was worsened in middle-aged adults. Moreover, ERPs acquired during the recognition task showed that two EM components related to familiarity and post-retrieval monitoring, i.e., Early Frontal and Late Frontal Old-New effects, respectively, were significantly reduced in middle-aged adults after anodal tDCS. Discussion These results support an age-dependent effect of prefrontal tDCS on EM processes and its underlying electrophysiological substrate, with opposing modulatory trajectories along the aging lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bagattini
- Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy,Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy,*Correspondence: Chiara Bagattini,
| | - Susana Cid-Fernández
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Martina Bulgari
- Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Miniussi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Marta Bortoletto
- Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Thams F, Külzow N, Flöel A, Antonenko D. Modulation of network centrality and gray matter microstructure using multi-session brain stimulation and memory training. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:3416-3426. [PMID: 35373873 PMCID: PMC9248322 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25857] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural mechanisms of behavioral improvement induced by repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training are yet unclear. Previously, we reported behavioral effects of a 3-day visuospatial memory training with concurrent anodal tDCS over the right temporoparietal cortex in older adults. To investigate intervention-induced neural alterations we here used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets available from 35 participants of this previous study, acquired before and after the intervention. To delineate changes in whole-brain functional network architecture, we employed eigenvector centrality mapping. Gray matter alterations were analyzed using DTI-derived mean diffusivity (MD). Network centrality in the bilateral posterior temporooccipital cortex was reduced after anodal compared to sham stimulation. This focal effect is indicative of decreased functional connectivity of the brain region underneath the anodal electrode and its left-hemispheric homolog with other "relevant" (i.e., highly connected) brain regions, thereby providing evidence for reorganizational processes within the brain's network architecture. Examining local MD changes in these clusters, an interaction between stimulation condition and training success indicated a decrease of MD in the right (stimulated) temporooccipital cluster in individuals who showed superior behavioral training benefits. Using a data-driven whole-brain network approach, we provide evidence for targeted neuromodulatory effects of a combined tDCS-and-training intervention. We show for the first time that gray matter alterations of microstructure (assessed by DTI-derived MD) may be involved in tDCS-enhanced cognitive training. Increased knowledge on how combined interventions modulate neural networks in older adults, will help the development of specific therapeutic interventions against age-associated cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Thams
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nadine Külzow
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany.,Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Beelitz, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Standort Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Siegert A, Diedrich L, Antal A. New Methods, Old Brains-A Systematic Review on the Effects of tDCS on the Cognition of Elderly People. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:730134. [PMID: 34776903 PMCID: PMC8578968 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.730134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world's population is aging. With this comes an increase in the prevalence of age-associated diseases, which amplifies the need for novel treatments to counteract cognitive decline in the elderly. One of the recently discussed non-pharmacological approaches is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). TDCS delivers weak electric currents to the brain, thereby modulating cortical excitability and activity. Recent evidence suggests that tDCS, mainly with anodal currents, can be a powerful means to non-invasively enhance cognitive functions in elderly people with age-related cognitive decline. Here, we screened a recently developed tDCS database (http://tdcsdatabase.com) that is an open access source of published tDCS papers and reviewed 16 studies that applied tDCS to healthy older subjects or patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or pre-stages. Evaluating potential changes in cognitive abilities we focus on declarative and working memory. Aiming for more standardized protocols, repeated tDCS applications (2 mA, 30 min) over the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) of elderly people seem to be one of the most efficient non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches to slow progressive cognitive deterioration. However, inter-subject variability and brain state differences in health and disease restrict the possibility to generalize stimulation methodology and increase the necessity of personalized protocol adjustment by means of improved neuroimaging techniques and electrical field modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Siegert
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Diedrich
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Huo L, Zhu X, Zheng Z, Ma J, Ma Z, Gui W, Li J. Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Episodic Memory in Older Adults: A Meta-analysis. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:692-702. [PMID: 31782505 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the last two decades, the number of intervention studies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has grown enormously. Though some studies have shown positive influences on episodic memory among older adults, disagreement exists in the literature. Therefore, the current meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of tDCS in modulating episodic memory functions in older adults. METHOD Eligible studies were sham-controlled trials examining the effects of anodal tDCS on episodic memory in older adults. Twenty-four articles comprising 566 participants aged over 60 qualified for inclusion. RESULTS Compared to the sham tDCS group, the active tDCS group showed significant memory improvements at both immediate poststimulation (Hedges' g = 0.625, p = .001) and long-term follow-up (Hedges' g = 0.404, p = .002). There were no differences in effect sizes between cognitively healthy and impaired older adults. Moderator analyses suggested that tDCS having a duration of 20 min or less, bilateral stimulation, or a larger stimulation area would produce greater benefits for episodic memory performance in older adults. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that tDCS holds great promise to ameliorate memory decline in older individuals. In the future, well-designed randomized controlled trials are expected to verify the optimal stimulation protocols and determine the factors impacting the long-term effects of tDCS in enhancing episodic memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huo
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jialing Ma
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Zhuoya Ma
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Lin FV, Heffner K, Gevirtz R, Zhang Z, Tadin D, Porsteinsson A. Targeting autonomic flexibility to enhance cognitive training outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:560. [PMID: 34425878 PMCID: PMC8381519 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Cognitive training with components that can further enhance the transferred and long-term effects and slow the progress of dementia is needed for preventing dementia. Objective The goal of the study is to test whether improving autonomic nervous system (ANS) flexibility via a resonance frequency breathing (RFB) training will strengthen the effects of a visual speed of processing (VSOP) cognitive training on cognitive and brain function, and slow the progress of dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design Stage II double-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with registration approved on 21 August 2020 (No. NCT04522791). Setting Study-related appointments will be conducted on-site at University of Rochester Medical Center locations. Data collection will be conducted from August 2020 to February 2025. Participants Older adults with MCI (n = 114) will be randomly assigned to an 8-week combined intervention (RFB+VSOP), VSOP with guided imagery relaxation (IR) control, and a IR-only control, with periodical booster training sessions at follow-ups. Mechanistic and distal outcomes include ANS flexibility, measured by heart rate variability, and multiple markers of dementia progress. Data will be collected across a 14-month period. Discussion This will be among the first RCTs to examine in older persons with MCI a novel, combined intervention targeting ANS flexibility, an important contributor to overall environmental adaptation, with an ultimate goal for slowing neurodegeneration. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04522791. Registered on 21 August 2020 Protocol version: STUDY00004727; IRB protocol version 2, approved on 30 July 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng V Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.,Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.,Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
| | - Kathi Heffner
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA. .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | | | - Zhengwu Zhang
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Duje Tadin
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Anton Porsteinsson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
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Stimulation of the Social Brain Improves Perspective Selection in Older Adults: A HD-tDCS Study. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 21:1233-1245. [PMID: 34287817 PMCID: PMC8563543 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00929-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence for dissociable, causal roles for two key social brain regions in young adults. Specifically, the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) is associated with embodied perspective taking, whereas the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) is associated with the integration of social information. However, it is unknown whether these causal brain-behaviour associations are evident in older adults. Fifty-two healthy older adults were stratified to receive either rTPJ or dmPFC anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in a sham-controlled, double-blinded, repeated-measures design. Self-other processing was assessed across implicit and explicit level one (line-of-sight) and level two (embodied rotation) visual perspective taking (VPT) tasks, and self-other encoding effects on episodic memory. Both rTPJ and dmPFC stimulation reduced the influence of the alternate perspective during level one VPT, indexed by a reduced congruency effect (difference between congruent and incongruent perspectives). There were no stimulation effects on level two perspective taking nor self-other encoding effects on episodic memory. Stimulation to the rTPJ and dmPFC improved perspective selection during level one perspective taking. However, dissociable effects on self-other processing, previously observed in young adults, were not identified in older adults. The results provide causal evidence for age-related changes in social brain function that requires further scrutinization.
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Pino-Esteban A, Megía-García Á, Martín-Caro Álvarez D, Beltran-Alacreu H, Avendaño-Coy J, Gómez-Soriano J, Serrano-Muñoz D. Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhance Functionality in Older Adults? A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132981. [PMID: 34279465 PMCID: PMC8268136 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132981] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Pino-Esteban
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
| | - Álvaro Megía-García
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
- Biomechanical and Technical Aids Unit, National Hospital for Paraplegia, SESCAM, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-925-274-700
| | - David Martín-Caro Álvarez
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
| | - Hector Beltran-Alacreu
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
| | - Juan Avendaño-Coy
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
| | - Julio Gómez-Soriano
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
| | - Diego Serrano-Muñoz
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Castilla La Mancha University, 13001 Toledo, Spain; (A.P.-E.); (D.M.-C.Á.); (H.B.-A.); (J.A.-C.); (J.G.-S.); (D.S.-M.)
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10
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Pereira HC, Sousa D, Simões M, Martins R, Amaral C, Lopes V, Crisóstomo J, Castelo-Branco M. Effects of anodal multichannel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on social-cognitive performance in healthy subjects: A randomized sham-controlled crossover pilot study. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 264:259-286. [PMID: 34167659 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that temporoparietal junction (TPJ) modulation can influence attention and social cognition performance. Nevertheless, no studies have used multichannel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over bilateral TPJ to estimate the effects on these neuropsychological functions. The project STIPED is using optimized multichannel stimulation as an innovative treatment approach for chronic pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, namely in children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this pilot study, we aim to explore whether anodal multichannel tDCS coupled with a Joint Attention Task (JAT) influences social-cognitive task performance relative to sham stimulation, both in an Emotion Recognition Task (ERT) and in a Mooney Faces Detection Task (MFDT), as well as to evaluate this technique's safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults were enrolled in a randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover study. During two sessions, participants completed the ERT and the MFDT before and after 20min of sham or anodal tDCS over bilateral TPJ. No significant differences on performance accuracy and reaction time were found between stimulation conditions for all tasks, including the JAT. A significant main time effect for overall accuracy and reaction time was found for the MFDT. Itching was the most common side effect and stimulation conditions detection was at chance level. Results suggest that multichannel tDCS over bilateral TPJ does not affect performance of low-level emotional recognition tasks in healthy adults. Although preliminary safety and tolerability are demonstrated, further studies over longer periods will be pursued to investigate the clinical efficacy in children/adolescents with ASD, where social cognition impairments are preponderant.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Catarina Pereira
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sousa
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco Simões
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Informatics and Systems, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Amaral
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vânia Lopes
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Crisóstomo
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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11
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Vaqué-Alcázar L, Abellaneda-Pérez K, Solé-Padullés C, Bargalló N, Valls-Pedret C, Ros E, Sala-Llonch R, Bartrés-Faz D. Functional brain changes associated with cognitive trajectories determine specific tDCS-induced effects among older adults. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2188-2200. [PMID: 34047384 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide original data to investigate age-related brain changes. We examined neural activity modulations induced by two multifocal tDCS procedures based on two distinct montages fitting two N-back task-based fMRI patterns ("compensatory" and "maintenance") related to high working memory (WM) in a previous publication (Fernández-Cabello et al. Neurobiol Aging (2016);48:23-33). We included 24 participants classified as stable or decliners according to their 4-year WM trajectories following a retrospective longitudinal approach. Then, we studied longitudinal fMRI differences between groups (stable and decliners) and across multifocal tDCS montages ("compensatory" and "maintenance") applied using a single-blind sham-controlled cross-over design. Decliners evidenced over-activation of non-related WM areas after 4 years of follow-up. Focusing on tDCS effects, among the decliner group, the "compensatory"-tDCS montage reduced the activity over the posterior regions where these subjects showed longitudinal hyperactivation. These results reinforce the notion that tDCS effects are characterized by an activity reduction and might be more noticeable in compromised systems. Importantly, the data provide novel evidence that cognitive trajectories predict tDCS effects in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Vaqué-Alcázar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kilian Abellaneda-Pérez
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Solé-Padullés
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Bargalló
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroradiology Section, Radiology Service, Centre de Diagnòstic per la Imatge, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinta Valls-Pedret
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ros
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Sala-Llonch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Bartrés-Faz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Beppi C, Ribeiro Violante I, Scott G, Sandrone S. EEG, MEG and neuromodulatory approaches to explore cognition: Current status and future directions. Brain Cogn 2021; 148:105677. [PMID: 33486194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2020.105677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neural oscillations and their association with brain states and cognitive functions have been object of extensive investigation over the last decades. Several electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) analysis approaches have been explored and oscillatory properties have been identified, in parallel with the technical and computational advancement. This review provides an up-to-date account of how EEG/MEG oscillations have contributed to the understanding of cognition. Methodological challenges, recent developments and translational potential, along with future research avenues, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Beppi
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Inês Ribeiro Violante
- Computational, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory (C3NL), Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.
| | - Gregory Scott
- Computational, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory (C3NL), Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Stefano Sandrone
- Computational, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory (C3NL), Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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13
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Habich A, Fehér KD, Antonenko D, Boraxbekk CJ, Flöel A, Nissen C, Siebner HR, Thielscher A, Klöppel S. Stimulating aged brains with transcranial direct current stimulation: Opportunities and challenges. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2020; 306:111179. [PMID: 32972813 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2020.111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ageing involves significant neurophysiological changes that are both systematic while at the same time exhibiting divergent trajectories across individuals. These changes underlie cognitive impairments in elderly while also affecting the response of aged brains to interventions like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). While the cognitive benefits of tDCS are more variable in elderly, older adults also respond differently to stimulation protocols compared to young adults. The age-related neurophysiological changes influencing the responsiveness to tDCS remain to be addressed in-depth. We review and discuss the premise that, in comparison to the better calibrated brain networks present in young adults, aged systems perform further away from a homoeostatic set-point. We argue that this age-related neurophysiological deviation from the homoeostatic optimum extends the leeway for tDCS to modulate the aged brain. This promotes the potency of immediate tDCS effects to induce directional plastic changes towards the homoeostatic equilibrium despite the impaired plasticity induction in elderly. We also consider how age-related neurophysiological changes pose specific challenges for tDCS that necessitate proper adaptations of stimulation protocols. Appreciating the distinctive properties of aged brains and the accompanying adjustment of stimulation parameters can increase the potency and reliability of tDCS as a treatment avenue in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Habich
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherpa, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Kristoffer D Fehér
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carl-Johan Boraxbekk
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Østvej, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden; Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen (ISMC), Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christoph Nissen
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hartwig Roman Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Østvej, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 20, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Østvej, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Pl. 348, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stefan Klöppel
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherpa, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
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14
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Goldthorpe RA, Rapley JM, Violante IR. A Systematic Review of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Applications to Memory in Healthy Aging. Front Neurol 2020; 11:575075. [PMID: 33193023 PMCID: PMC7604325 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.575075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been acknowledged that memory changes over the course of one's life, irrespective of diseases like dementia. Approaches to mitigate these changes have however yielded mixed results. Brain stimulation has been identified as one novel approach of augmenting older adult's memory. Thus far, such approaches have however been nuanced, targeting different memory domains with different methodologies. This has produced an amalgam of research with an unclear image overall. This systematic review therefore aims to clarify this landscape, evaluating, and interpreting available research findings in a coherent manner. A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted across Medline, PsycInfo, Psycarticles and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, which uncovered 44 studies employing non-invasive electrical brain stimulation in healthy older adults. All studies were of generally good quality spanning numerous memory domains. Within these, evidence was found for non-invasive brain stimulation augmenting working, episodic, associative, semantic, and procedural memory, with the first three domains having the greatest evidence base. Key sites for stimulation included the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), temporoparietal region, and primary motor cortex, with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) holding the greatest literature base. Inconsistencies within the literature are highlighted and interpreted, however this discussion was constrained by potential confounding variables within the literature, a risk of bias, and challenges defining research aims and results. Non-invasive brain stimulation often did however have a positive and predictable impact on older adult's memory, and thus warrants further research to better understand these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M Rapley
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ines R Violante
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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15
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Zhang K, Guo L, Zhang J, Rui G, An G, Zhou Y, Lin J, Xing J, Zhao T, Ding G. tDCS Accelerates the Rehabilitation of MCAO-Induced Motor Function Deficits via Neurogenesis Modulated by the Notch1 Signaling Pathway. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:640-651. [PMID: 32543269 DOI: 10.1177/1545968320925474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background. Ischemic stroke carries a high mortality rate and is a leading cause of severe neurological disability. However, the efficacy of current therapeutic options remains limited. Objective. We aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in motor function rehabilitation after ischemic stroke and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with epicranial electrodes were used to establish pathogenetic model through temporary right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Subsequently, animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: MCAO + tDCS/sham tDCS, Control + tDCS/sham tDCS. Animals in the groups with tDCS underwent 10 days of cathodal tDCS totally (500 µA, 15 minutes, once a day). During and after tDCS treatment, the motor functions of the animals, ischemic damage area, proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs), and distribution, and protein expression of Notch1 signaling molecules were detected. Results. The rehabilitation of MCAO-induced motor function deficits was dramatically accelerated by tDCS treatment. NSC proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ) was significantly increased after MCAO surgery, and tDCS treatment promoted this process. Additionally, NSCs probably migrated from the SVZ to the ischemic striatum and then differentiated into neurons and oligodendrocytes after MCAO surgery, both of which processes were accelerated by tDCS treatment. Finally, tDCS treatment inhibited the activation of Notch1 signaling in NSCs in the ischemic striatum, which may be involved in NSC differentiation in the MCAO model. Conclusion. Our results suggest that tDCS may exert therapeutic efficacy after ischemic stroke in a regenerative medical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keying Zhang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Junping Zhang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Rui
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Guangzhou An
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiajin Lin
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Junling Xing
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Zhao
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Guirong Ding
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
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16
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Lin FV, Tao Y, Chen Q, Anthony M, Zhang Z, Tadin D, Heffner KL. Processing speed and attention training modifies autonomic flexibility: A mechanistic intervention study. Neuroimage 2020; 213:116730. [PMID: 32165263 PMCID: PMC7165056 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation capacity is critical for maintaining cognition, yet it is understudied in groups at risk for dementia. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is critical for neurovisceral integration and is a key contributor to adaptation capacity. To determine the central nervous system's top-down regulation of ANS, we conducted a mechanistic randomized controlled trial study, using a 6-week processing speed and attention (PS/A)-targeted intervention. Eighty-four older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) were randomized to a 6-week PS/A-targeted intervention or an active control without PS/A. Utilizing repeated measures (i.e., PS/A test different from the intervention, resting and cognitive task-based ECG, and resting fMRI) at baseline, immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 6-month follow-up, we aimed to test whether PS/A causally influences vagal control of ANS via their shared central neural pathways in aMCI. We indexed vagal control of ANS using high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) extracted from ECG data. Functional brain connectivity patterns were extracted from fMRI using advanced statistical tools. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvement in PS/A, HF-HRV, salience network (SN), central executive network (CEN), and frontal parietal network (FPN) connectivity at post-test; the effect on SN, CEN, and FPN remained at 6-month follow-up. Changes in PS/A and SN connectivity significantly predicted change in HF-HRV from baseline to post-test and/or 6-month-follow-up. Age, neurodegeneration, nor sex did not affect these relationships. This work provides novel support for top-down regulation of PS/A and associated SN on vagal control of ANS. Intervening PS/A may be a viable approach for promoting adaptation capacity in groups at risk for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng V Lin
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA.
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Electrical and Computational Engineering, University of Rochester, USA
| | - Quanjing Chen
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
| | - Mia Anthony
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, USA
| | - Zhengwu Zhang
- Department of Biostatics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
| | - Duje Tadin
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
| | - Kathi L Heffner
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA; Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
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17
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Rostami M, Mosallanezhad Z, Ansari S, Kidgell D, Rezaeian T, Bakhshi E, Ghodrati M, Jaberzadeh S. The effects of consecutive sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex on hand function in healthy older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 89:104063. [PMID: 32334332 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104063] [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: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With advancing age, changes in the central nervous system may lead to motor functional deficits. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are suggested to help modifying brain function. OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of using multi session anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (a-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) on the hand function in healthy older adults. METHOD In this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study 32 participants received active or sham a-tDCS (1 mA, 20 min, for five consecutive days) and performed the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) on the first day before tDCS application, immediately (T1), 30 min (T2), and one week after the last session (5th day) (T3) of the stimulation. RESULTS There was a significant improvement for PPT (p < 0.05) in a-tDCS group at all post-test values except for PPT for left hand (PPTL) at T1. Compared to the sham group, the results indicated significant improvement in all PPT subtests (P < 0.05), except for PPTL at T1, PPT for both hands at T2 and PPT assembly at T3 in a-tDCS group. CONCLUSION The current findings suggest a-tDCS can be considered as a promising stand-alone technique in the intervention of the age-related decline of manual dexterity for improving hand function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Rostami
- Research Center on Aging, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mosallanezhad
- Research Center on Aging, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Ansari
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Speech Therapy Department, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Dawson Kidgell
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tahere Rezaeian
- Research Center on Aging, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Enayatollah Bakhshi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghodrati
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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de Sousa AVC, Grittner U, Rujescu D, Külzow N, Flöel A. Impact of 3-Day Combined Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation-Visuospatial Training on Object-Location Memory in Healthy Older Adults and Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 75:223-244. [PMID: 32280093 PMCID: PMC7306891 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associative object-location memory (OLM) is known to decline even in normal aging, and this process is accelerated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Given the lack of curative treatment for Alzheimer's disease, activating cognitive resources during its preclinical phase might prevent progression to dementia. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) combined with an associative episodic memory training on OLM in MCI patients and in healthy elderly (HE). METHODS In a single-blind cross-over design, 16 MCI patients and 32 HE underwent a 3-day visuospatial OLM training paired with either 20 min or 30 s (sham) atDCS (1 mA, right temporoparietal cortex). Effects on immediate (training success) and long-term memory (1-month) were investigated by conducting Mixed Model analyses. In addition, the impact of combined intervention on within-session (online) and on between-session (offline) performance were explored. RESULTS OLM training+atDCS enhanced training success only in MCI patients, but not HE (difference n.s.). Relative performance gain was similar in MCI patients compared to HE under atDCS. No beneficial effect was found after 1-month. Exploratory analyses suggested a positive impact on online, but a negative effect on offline performance in MCI patients. In both groups, exploratory post-hoc analyses indicated an association between initially low-performers and greater benefit from atDCS. CONCLUSION Cognitive training in MCI may be enhanced by atDCS, but further delineation of the impact of current brain state, as well as temporal characteristics of multi-session atDCS-training application, may be needed to induce longer-lasting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Vieira Cavalcanti de Sousa
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Külzow
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic, Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research, Berlin, Germany
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Fertonani A, Pirulli C, Bollini A, Miniussi C, Bortoletto M. Age-related changes in cortical connectivity influence the neuromodulatory effects of transcranial electrical stimulation. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 82:77-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Peter J, Neumann-Dunayevska E, Geugelin F, Ninosu N, Plewnia C, Klöppel S. Reducing negative affect with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation increases memory performance in young-but not in elderly-individuals. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:2973-2982. [PMID: 31482268 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01946-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Affect can directly influence memory storage and retrieval, which offers the opportunity to improve memory performance by changing affective responses. A promising target is the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), as it is functionally involved in both affect and memory. This study explores whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left dlPFC improves memory retrieval through the reduction of negative affect and if this interacts with age. We randomly assigned 94 healthy individuals (n = 43 young, n = 51 elderly) to either sham or active tDCS during encoding of a verbal episodic memory task. Participants completed two questionnaires assessing affective states pre- and post-stimulation. They had to recall items unexpectedly 20 min after encoding and to name which feelings were associated with this free recall. We applied mediation models to explore the relation between tDCS, change in affect, and memory retrieval. In young participants, the reduction of negative affect via anodal tDCS fully mediated the increase in memory retrieval (R2 = 57%; p < 0.001); that is, a stronger reduction of negative affect via tDCS led to better memory performance. We did not observe these effects in the elderly. Our study provides a further link between affect and memory: as increased activity in the dlPFC is crucial for successfully coping with affective interference, anodal tDCS seems to help preventing irrelevant negative thoughts, thus foster attention allocation. Studies applying anodal tDCS to the left dlPFC in healthy young participants should consider changes in affect when interpreting the effect of stimulation on memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Peter
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstraße 111, 3000, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elisabeth Neumann-Dunayevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Franziska Geugelin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Nadia Ninosu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Christian Plewnia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurophysiology and Interventional Neuropsychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Klöppel
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstraße 111, 3000, Bern, Switzerland
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21
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Abellaneda-Pérez K, Vaqué-Alcázar L, Solé-Padullés C, Bartrés-Faz D. Combining non-invasive brain stimulation with functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural substrates of cognitive aging. J Neurosci Res 2019; 100:1159-1170. [PMID: 31418480 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As aging population is increasing, new methodologies to apprehend and enhance the mechanisms related to optimal brain function in advancing age become urgent. This review describes how the combined use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides novel experimental data on the putative neurophysiological mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in cognitive status among older adults, also further illuminating our understanding of theoretical models proposed within the cognitive neuroscience of aging literature. In addition, it explores published evidence of how this combined procedure entails the capacity to modify the activity and connectivity of specific brain networks in older adults, potentially leading to improvements in cognitive function and other measures reflecting mental health status. Although additional research is needed, combining NIBS with fMRI might provide innovative understanding of how fundamental brain plasticity mechanisms operate in advancing age, a knowledge that may be eventually used to refine more individually tailored approaches to promote brain health in aged populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Abellaneda-Pérez
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Vaqué-Alcázar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Solé-Padullés
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Bartrés-Faz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Martin AK, Su P, Meinzer M. Common and unique effects of HD-tDCS to the social brain across cultural groups. Neuropsychologia 2019; 133:107170. [PMID: 31425711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cultural background influences social cognition, however no study has examined brain stimulation differences attributable to cultural background. 104 young adults [52 South-East Asian Singaporeans (SEA); 52 Caucasian Australians (CA)] received anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) or the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ). Participants completed tasks with varying demands on self-other processing including visual perspective taking (VPT)and episodic memory with self and other encoding. At baseline, SEA showed greater self-other integration than CA in the level one (line-of-sight) VPT task as indexed by greater interference from the alternate perspective. Anodal HD-tDCS to the dmPFC resulted in the CA performing closer to the SEA during egocentric perspective judgements. Baseline performance on level two (embodied rotation) VPT task and the self-reference effect (SRE) in episodic memory was comparable between the two groups. In the combined sample, HD-tDCS to the rTPJ decreased the interference from the egocentric perspective during level two VPT and dmPFC HD-tDCS removed the SRE in episodic memory. Stimulation effects were comparable when baseline performance was comparable. When baseline performance differed, stimulation differences were identified. Therefore, social cognitive differences due to cultural background are an important consideration in social brain stimulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Martin
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia; Durham University, Department of Psychology, Durham, UK.
| | - P Su
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M Meinzer
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia; University of Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
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23
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From Broca and Wernicke to the Neuromodulation Era: Insights of Brain Language Networks for Neurorehabilitation. Behav Neurol 2019; 2019:9894571. [PMID: 31428210 PMCID: PMC6679886 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9894571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication in humans activates almost every part of the brain. Of course, the use of language predominates, but other cognitive functions such as attention, memory, emotion, and executive processes are also involved. However, in order to explain how our brain "understands," "speaks," and "writes," and in order to rehabilitate aphasic disorders, neuroscience has faced the challenge for years to reveal the responsible neural networks. Broca and Wernicke (and Lichtheim and many others), during the 19th century, when brain research was mainly observational and autopsy driven, offered fundamental knowledge about the brain and language, so the Wernicke-Geschwind model appeared and aphasiology during the 20th century was based on it. This model is still useful for a first approach into the classical categorization of aphasic syndromes, but it is outdated, because it does not adequately describe the neural networks relevant for language, and it offers a modular perspective, focusing mainly on cortical structures. During the last three decades, neuroscience conquered new imaging, recording, and manipulation techniques for brain research, and a new model of the functional neuroanatomy of language was developed, the dual stream model, consisting of two interacting networks ("streams"), one ventral, bilaterally organized, for language comprehension, and one dorsal, left hemisphere dominant, for production. This new model also has its limitations but helps us to understand, among others, why patients with different brain lesions can have similar language impairments. Furthermore, interesting aspects arise from studying language functions in aging brains (and also in young, developing brains) and in cognitively impaired patients and neuromodulation effects on reorganization of brain networks subserving language. In this selective review, we discuss methods for coupling new knowledge regarding the functional reorganization of the brain with sophisticated techniques capable of activating the available supportive networks in order to provide improved neurorehabilitation strategies for people suffering from neurogenic communication disorders.
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24
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de Moura MCDS, Hazime FA, Marotti Aparicio LV, Grecco LAC, Brunoni AR, Hasue RH. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Somatosens Mot Res 2019; 36:122-135. [PMID: 31181963 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2019.1624517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool to improve balance and optimize rehabilitation strategies. However, current literature shows the methodological heterogeneity of tDCS protocols and results, hindering any clear conclusions about the effects of tDCS on postural control. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on postural control, and identify the most beneficial target brain areas and the effect on different populations. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017. Most frequently reported centre of pressure (COP) variables were selected for meta-analysis. Other postural control outcomes were discussed in the review. Results: Thirty studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were submitted to a meta-analysis. A reduction of COP displacement area has been significantly achieved by tDCS, evidencing an improvement in balance control. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy young adults are mostly affected by stimulation. The analysis of the impact of tDCS over different brain areas revealed a significant effect after primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation, however, with no clear results after cerebellar stimulation due to divergent results among studies. Conclusions: tDCS appears to improve balance control, more evident in healthy and CP subjects. Effects are observed when primary MI is stimulated. Cerebellar stimulation should be better investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara D Soares de Moura
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Fuad A Hazime
- b Department of Physical Therapy , Federal University of Piauí , Piauí , Brazil
| | - Luana V Marotti Aparicio
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | | | - André R Brunoni
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.,e Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich , Germany
| | - Renata Hydeé Hasue
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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25
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Antonenko D, Hayek D, Netzband J, Grittner U, Flöel A. tDCS-induced episodic memory enhancement and its association with functional network coupling in older adults. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2273. [PMID: 30783198 PMCID: PMC6381175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) augments training-induced cognitive gains, an issue of particular relevance in the aging population. However, negative outcomes have been reported as well, and few studies so far have evaluated the impact of tDCS on episodic memory formation in elderly cohorts. The heterogeneity of previous findings highlights the importance of elucidating neuronal underpinnings of tDCS-induced modulations, and of determining individual predictors of a positive response. In the present study, we aimed to modulate episodic memory formation in 34 older adults with anodal tDCS (1 mA, 20 min) over left temporoparietal cortex. Participants were asked to learn novel associations between pictures and pseudowords, and episodic memory performance was subsequently assessed during immediate retrieval. Prior to experimental sessions, participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. tDCS led to better retrieval performance and augmented learning curves. Hippocampo-temporoparietal functional connectivity was positively related to initial memory performance, and was positively associated with the magnitude of individual tDCS-induced enhancement. In sum, we provide evidence for brain stimulation-induced plasticity of episodic memory processes in older adults, corroborating and extending previous findings. Our results demonstrate that intrinsic network coupling may determine individual responsiveness to brain stimulation, and thus help to further explain variability of tDCS responsiveness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Antonenko
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Dayana Hayek
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Justus Netzband
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany.
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26
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Hayek D, Flöel A, Antonenko D. Role of Sensorimotor Cortex in Gestural-Verbal Integration. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:482. [PMID: 30574078 PMCID: PMC6291781 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Action comprehension that is related to language or gestural integration has been shown to engage the motor system in the brain, thus providing preliminary evidence for the gestural-verbal embodiment concept. Based on the involvement of the sensorimotor cortex (M1) in language processing, we aimed to further explore its role in the cognitive embodiment necessary for gestural-verbal integration. As such, we applied anodal (excitatory) and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left M1 (with reference electrode over the contralateral supraorbital region) during a gestural-verbal integration task where subjects had to make a decision about the semantic congruency of the gesture (prime) and the word (target). We used a cross-over within-subject design in young subjects. Attentional load and simple reaction time (RT) tasks served as control conditions, applied during stimulation (order of three tasks was counterbalanced). Our results showed that anodal (atDCS) compared to sham tDCS (stDCS) reduced RTs in the gestural-verbal integration task, specifically for incongruent pairs of gestures and verbal expressions, with no effect on control task performance. Our findings provide evidence for the involvement of the sensorimotor system in gestural-verbal integration performance. Further, our results suggest that functional modulation induced by sensorimotor tDCS may be specific to gestural-verbal integration. Future studies should now evaluate the modulatory effect of tDCS on semantic congruency by using tDCS over additional brain regions and include assessments of neural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Hayek
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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27
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Dong W, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Bai Y, Ju Z, Guo J, Gu G, Bai K, Ouyang G, Chen S, Zhang Q, Huang Y. Soft human–machine interfaces: design, sensing and stimulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT ROBOTICS AND APPLICATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s41315-018-0060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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28
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Westwood SJ, Romani C. Null Effects on Working Memory and Verbal Fluency Tasks When Applying Anodal tDCS to the Inferior Frontal Gyrus of Healthy Participants. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:166. [PMID: 29615855 PMCID: PMC5867342 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique used to modify cognition by modulating underlying cortical excitability via weak electric current applied through the scalp. Although many studies have reported positive effects with tDCS, a number of recent studies highlight that tDCS effects can be small and difficult to reproduce. This is especially the case when attempting to modulate performance using single applications of tDCS in healthy participants. Possible reasons may be that optimal stimulation parameters have yet to be identified, and that individual variation in cortical activity and/or level of ability confound outcomes. To address these points, we carried out a series of experiments in which we attempted to modulate performance in fluency and working memory probe tasks using stimulation parameters which have been associated with positive outcomes: we targeted the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) and compared performance when applying a 1.5 mA anodal current for 25 min and with sham stimulation. There is evidence that LIFG plays a role in these tasks and previous studies have found positive effects of stimulation. We also compared our experimental group (N = 19–20) with a control group receiving no stimulation (n = 24). More importantly, we also considered effects on subgroups subdivided according to memory span as well as to more direct measures of executive function abilities and motivational levels. We found no systematic effect of stimulation. Our findings are in line with a growing body of evidence that tDCS produces unreliable effects. We acknowledge that our findings speak to the conditions we investigated, and that alternative protocols (e.g., multiple sessions, clinical samples, and different stimulation polarities) may be more effective. We encourage further research to explore optimal conditions for tDCS efficacy, given the potential benefits that this technique poses for understanding and enhancing cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Westwood
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Romani
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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29
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Lukasik KM, Lehtonen M, Salmi J, Meinzer M, Joutsa J, Laine M. No Effects of Stimulating the Left Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex with tDCS on Verbal Working Memory Updating. Front Neurosci 2018; 11:738. [PMID: 29379410 PMCID: PMC5770813 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functions, such as working memory (WM), have been examined in a number of studies. However, much less is known about the behavioral effects of tDCS over other important WM-related brain regions, such as the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). In a counterbalanced within-subjects design with 33 young healthy participants, we examined whether online and offline single-session tDCS over VLPFC affects WM updating performance as measured by a digit 3-back task. We compared three conditions: anodal, cathodal and sham. We observed no significant tDCS effects on participants' accuracy or reaction times during or after the stimulation. Neither did we find any differences between anodal and cathodal stimulation. Largely similar results were obtained when comparing subgroups of high- and low-performing participants. Possible reasons for the lack of effects, including individual differences in responsiveness to tDCS, features of montage, task and sample characteristics, and the role of VLPFC in WM, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minna Lehtonen
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Salmi
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marcus Meinzer
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Juho Joutsa
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States.,Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Laine
- Department of Psychology, Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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30
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Sex Mediates the Effects of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on “Mind-Reading”. Neuroscience 2017; 366:84-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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