Influence of tDCS on Cortical Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults

Influence of Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation on Cortical Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) in healthy older adults 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)
• no obvious cognitive impairment (MMSE>26, Demtect>13)
• age between 50 and 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)
• intake of centrally active drugs <3 months , particularly acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker (contraindication for MRI)
• Other metal parts in the body (contraindication for MRI)