MAXIMIZING COGNITIVE TRAINING OUTCOMES WITH SIMULTANEOUS BRAIN STIMULATION
2024
Improving Cognitive Training with Brain Stimulation
Sample size: 257
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jaeggi Susanne
Primary Institution: Northeastern University
Hypothesis
Can transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhance cognitive training outcomes?
Conclusion
tDCS can improve learning and long-term memory outcomes when paired with cognitive training, but effects vary based on individual differences.
Supporting Evidence
- tDCS showed a small positive net effect on transfer measures after working memory training.
- Improvements in long-term memory were observed several months after training.
- Participants with lower initial performance benefited more from brain stimulation.
Takeaway
Using a special type of brain stimulation while learning can help people remember things better, especially if they start off not knowing much.
Methodology
The study involved several randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis focusing on cognitive training paired with tDCS.
Limitations
The effects on working memory were mixed and dependent on baseline ability.
Participant Demographics
Younger and older adults.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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