Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Language Functions in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Language Functions in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Proof-of-principle Study and Neural Correlates

The purpose of this study is to determine if non-invasive electrical brain stimulation can improve word-retrieval in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Previous studies showed that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can have beneficial effects on word-retrieval in healthy younger and older subjects. The present study aims to extend these findings by assessing whether atDCS can also improve known impairments of word-retrieval in Mild Cognitive Impairment. atDCS will be applied to the left inferior frontal gyrus in a sham controlled cross-over within subjects design. Simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will assess underlying neural effects of the stimulation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• right handed
• German native speakers
• clinical diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

• dementia
• other current or previous neurological or current psychiatric diseases
• alcohol or drug abuse
• MRI contraindication (e.g., magnetic metal, pacemaker, claustrophobia