Influence of tDCS on Cortical Plasticity in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cortical Plasticity in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) leads to an increase in cortical plasticity (change in motor evoked potentials (MEP) in mV).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Right-handed according to the Oldfield Händigkeits inventory (lateralization index> 70) (1971)
• Cognitive impairment according to the diagnostic criteria of a MCI (amnesic or even multiple domains)
• No therapeutic treatment with AChE inhibitors
• No motor impairments relevant to everyday life
• Age 50 to 80 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe neurological / psychiatric or pre-existing internist conditions because additional cognitive deficits are expected
• Epilepsy, epileptic seizure in medical history
• Cognitive deficit (MMSE <20)
• Depressive episode (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)> 12)
• Newly taking (<3 months) centrally active drugs, particularly acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker (contraindication for MRI)
• Other metal parts in the body (contraindication for MRI)