Development of a combined non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive training program to prevent cognitive decline

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K11293
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Niigata University of Health and Welfare
• Principal Investigator: Nomura Tomonori 新潟医療福祉大学, リハビリテーション学部, 教授 (50434460)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 経頭蓋交流電流刺激 / 非侵襲的脳刺激法 / 認知機能 / 記憶

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a noninvasive method of brain stimulation that modulates brain rhythms, has attracted attention as a tool for improving cognitive function. In the present study, a program combining tACS stimulation with word learning in the 60 Hz frequency band showed higher memory retrieval than sham stimulation or tACS stimulation in the 5 Hz frequency band. The combined non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive training program may preserve performance on episodic memory tasks.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

非侵襲的脳刺激であるtACSと認知トレーニングを融合させたプログラムは、高齢者などの認知機能が低下した対象者の認知機能を高められる可能性が示唆された．認知トレーニングとtACSを併用したプログラムは、認知機能低下抑制に役立てられる可能性がある。