Keywords
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Dementia
Transcranial alternating current
stimulation (tACS)
Attention Deterioro cognitivo subjetivo (DCS)
Deterioro cognitivo ligero (DCL)
Demencia
Estimulación eléctrica transcraneal
por corriente alterna (tACS)
Atención
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Age-related cognitive decline is rising due to longer life expectancy, necessitating new treatments as current drugs are ineffective and costly. Transcranial alternating current stimulation at the theta frequency (theta-tACS) has shown promise in enhancing cognitive function in both young and elderly adults, but its effectiveness in those with cognitive decline is not well-studied. Method: This study involved 27 participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, who underwent multiple sessions combining computerized cognitive training with theta-tACS to assess its efficacy. Participants were randomly assigned to either a real-tACS or sham-tACS group. Before and after treatment, they completed several cognitive tasks, and their behavioral and EEG data were collected. Results: Only the real-tACS group improved in the oddball task and exhibited increased event-related EEG amplitude in the theta range. Conclusions: These findings suggest that theta-tACS can improve cognitive performance in individuals with cognitive decline at both behavioral and psychophysiological levels, supporting its potential for alleviating cognitive decline in elderly populations.
References
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