Empowering executive functions by neuromodulation (tDCS) in healthy elderly: psychometric and EEG evidences

Objective: While the contribution of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in preventing cognitive decline is looked with interest, NIBS empowerment of healthy elderly is understudied. The present research aims at investigating the eff ect of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in empowering executive functions and electrophysiological attention responses in healthy aging. Methods: 22 participants have been assigned to the intervention or control group and underwent a complex assessment at T0 and at T1 – after three months. The anodal tDCS protocol lasted eight weeks (three sessions per week), with twice-weekly administration of tasks tapping on executive functions. A complete set of standardized cognitive tests and an electroencephalographic recording during a challenging computerized attention task have been integrated in the assessment protocol. Results: T0-T1 comparisons highlighted a signifi cant increase in post-intervention performances for the tDCS group. Specifi cally, tests tapping on executive functions and automatic electrophysiological attention responses showed positive modulations. Conclusions: The consistency of behavioral and electrophysiological findings suggests that a moderately intensive NIBS protocol might mediate the empowerment of specific cognitive functions even in healthy aging people. Key message: Physiological aging is a dynamic process, where non-invasive interventions may capitalize on resources of the cognitive reserve to help improving cognitive functioning.