T007 Neural predictors of the effect of transcranial electrical stimulation on learning

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 3
Author(s): R. Cohen Kadosh
QuestionCurrent attempts to improve cognitive skills using brain stimulation have yielded mixed results, leading to the imperative question: can brain stimulation produce genuine cognitive enhancement?MethodsIn the first part of the talk will focus on data coming from three arithmetic training experiments (n=93). We examined how compared to sham stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex modulates online and offline learning over the 5days of training. In the second part of the talk will present data from a collaborative project between Oxford, Harvard, Honeywell, and Northeastern University, that focuses on executive functions training (n=412) and its effect on fluid intelligence. We examined the progress on the 11days training as a function of tRNS and transcranial direct current stimulation in comparison to sham stimulation.ResultsA between-groups comparison such as active stimulation versus sham stimulation produced misleading results. Instead, integrating relevant measures at the interindividual-level can substantially increase the precision of conclusions about the efficacy of brain stimulation.ConclusionsThese results lead to the idea that a consideration of the neurocognitive factors characterising the individuals in the experiment can lead to a much clearer understanding of effects than considering only the group they belong to. This approach yields advancement at the basic and translational level. It would enable the improvement and individualisation of interventions, and produce a better understanding of the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms.



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