047-23 – Improving cognition and brain functioning in old adults using a working memory (WM) training paired with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): An EEG study

Ageing comes with many challenges such as significant depletion in physical and cognitive capacities, progressive neurodegeneration, and reduction of neuroplastic capacity. Consequently, elderly people are more liable to experience mild cognitive impairments (MCI) and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementias. While some studies have tried to address these problems by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive method that delivers tiny electrical currents to the brain, with working memory (WM) training, these have not found consistent results. In the current study we employ a combination of multiple sessions of frontoparietal tDCS paired with WM training with the objective of identifying whether tDCS causes significant improvements in memory and neural functioning in healthy elderly population. This study explores learning effects, transfer (near- and far-) effects and long-lasting effects. Furthermore, we will analyse changes in spectral power and connectivity patterns resulting from the tDCS in the different stages of the memory process (encoding, maintenance and recall) to explain behavioural outcomes. Finally, we will also investigate the role of individual differences in initial cognitive levels and in neural activity during task performance and resting state as potential predictors of the benefits of tDCS. The findings of this study will contribute to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms of tDCS in the brain and its effectivity in elderly populations.