A pilot study of cognitive training with and without transcranial direct current stimulation to improve cognition in older persons with HIV-related cognitive impairment

Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether the use of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could boost the effects of a cognitive stimulation (CS) programme using a tablet on five older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Method.A single-subject study of A-B-C-A design was used. After the baseline with the administration of CS (phase A), a sham treatment with CS was applied (B). Following the withdrawal of sham treatment, tDCS was introduced in combination with CS (C). Finally, phase A was replicated a second time.Results.tDCS had a significant effect on processing speed, selective attention, and planning ability tasks in terms of performance and completion time.Conclusion.tDCS appears to have a positive impact on some cognitive components in CS in persons with MCI. Further study on its long-term effects and generalization of power to daily activities is warranted.

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Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Episodic Memory in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gby134 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 75 (7) ◽

pp. 1403-1413 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Rosa Manenti ◽

Marco Sandrini ◽

Elena Gobbi ◽

Giuliano Binetti ◽

Maria Cotelli

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Direct Current ◽

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Learning Session ◽

Direct Current Stimulation

Abstract Objectives Episodic memory is impaired in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is posited as a potential prodromal form of Alzheimer’s disease. Reactivated existing memories become sensitive to modification during reconsolidation. There is evidence that the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays causal role in episodic memory reconsolidation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the PFC after a contextual reminder enhanced episodic memory performance up to 1 month, conceivably through reconsolidation, in older adults with subjective memory complaints, a condition that may represent a “pre-mild cognitive impairment” stage. The aim of this pilot study was to test the effect of PFC-tDCS (anode over left lateral PFC, cathode over right supraorbital area) after a contextual reminder on episodic memory in older adults with aMCI. Method Older adults with aMCI learned a list of words. Twenty-four hours later, tDCS (Active or Sham) was applied after a contextual reminder. Memory retrieval (free recall and recognition) was tested 48 hrs and 1 month after the learning session. Results Active tDCS enhanced recognition memory relative to Sham stimulation. Discussion Modulating reconsolidation with PFC-tDCS might be a novel intervention to enhance episodic memories in aMCI.

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