经颅直流电刺激联合认知训练对老年人工作记忆网络功能连接的影响。
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Paired With Cognitive Training on Functional Connectivity of the Working Memory Network in Older Adults.
作者信息
Nissim Nicole R, O'Shea Andrew, Indahlastari Aprinda, Kraft Jessica N, von Mering Olivia, Aksu Serkan, Porges Eric, Cohen Ronald, Woods Adam J
机构信息
Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
出版信息
Front Aging Neurosci. 2019 Dec 16;11:340. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00340. eCollection 2019.
BACKGROUND
Working memory, a fundamental short-term cognitive process, is known to decline with advanced age even in healthy older adults. Normal age-related declines in working memory can cause loss of independence and decreased quality of life. Cognitive training has shown some potential at enhancing certain cognitive processes, although, enhancements are variable. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, has shown promise at enhancing working memory abilities, and may further the benefits from cognitive training interventions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying tDCS brain-based enhancements remain unknown.
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Assess the effects of a 2-week intervention of active-tDCS vs. sham paired with cognitive training on functional connectivity of the working memory network during an N-Back working memory task.
METHODS
Healthy older adults ( = 28; mean age = 74 ± 7.3) completed 10-sessions of cognitive training paired with active or sham-tDCS. Functional connectivity was evaluated at baseline and post-intervention during an N-Back task (2-Back vs. 0-Back).
RESULTS
Active-tDCS vs. sham demonstrated a significant increase in connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right inferior parietal lobule at post-intervention during 2-Back. Target accuracy on 2-Back was significantly improved for active vs. sham at post-intervention.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest pairing tDCS with cognitive training enhances functional connectivity and working memory performance in older adults, and thus may hold promise as a method for remediating age-related cognitive decline. Future studies evaluating optimal dose and long-term effects of tDCS on brain function will help to maximize potential clinical impacts of tDCS paired with cognitive training in older adults.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02137122.
背景
工作记忆是一种基本的短期认知过程，即使在健康的老年人中，也会随着年龄的增长而衰退。与年龄相关的工作记忆正常衰退会导致独立性丧失和生活质量下降。认知训练在增强某些认知过程方面已显示出一定潜力，不过，增强效果存在差异。经颅直流电刺激（tDCS）作为一种非侵入性脑刺激形式，在增强工作记忆能力方面已显示出前景，并且可能会进一步提升认知训练干预的效果。然而，基于tDCS的大脑增强作用背后的神经机制仍不清楚。
目的/假设：评估在N-回溯工作记忆任务期间，为期2周的主动tDCS与假刺激配对认知训练对工作记忆网络功能连接的影响。
方法
健康老年人（n = 28；平均年龄 = 74 ± 7.3岁）完成了10次与主动或假刺激tDCS配对的认知训练。在基线和干预后，通过N-回溯任务（2-回溯与0-回溯）评估功能连接。
结果
在2-回溯任务的干预后，主动tDCS组与假刺激组相比，左侧背外侧前额叶皮层与右侧下顶叶小叶之间的连接性显著增加。干预后，主动tDCS组在2-回溯任务上的目标准确率显著高于假刺激组。
结论
这些结果表明，将tDCS与认知训练相结合可增强老年人的功能连接和工作记忆表现，因此可能有望成为一种改善与年龄相关的认知衰退的方法。未来评估tDCS对脑功能的最佳剂量和长期影响的研究，将有助于最大限度地发挥tDCS与认知训练相结合对老年人的潜在临床影响。
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