Carla Vollmoeller: Modulation of Frontal Midline Theta Oscillations and Memory Performance in Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Closed-Loop Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation

BCCN Berlin / Technische Universität Berlin

Abstract

Brain activity is characterized by dynamic oscillatory signatures. Depending on current cognitive processes, demands, emotional states, or age, this frequency profile of brain rhythms changes. An altered oscillatory profile is usually found in neurological disorders such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has shown some potential to enhance memory performance through frequency-specific neuromodulation, particularly targeting theta oscillations (4 - 8 Hz). However, the efficacy of tACS depends on the interaction of the stimulation current with ongoing brain oscillations.

The presented study investigated whether frontal midline theta (FMT) activity and working memory (WM) performance in individuals with MCI induced by early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be modulated through closed-loop amplitude-modulated tACS (CLAM-tACS), a novel stimulation system that adapts to brain activity in real-time.

Key metrics associated with WM modulation and implications for future research employing CLAM-tACS are discussed.

 

 

Additional information:

Master thesis defense

 

Organized by:

Prof. Dr. Surjo Soeakadar & Dr. Maria Buthut