Modulation of Visual-Spatial Learning in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by tDCS

Modulation of Visual-Spatial Learning in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - Proof of Principle and Mechanisms

The aim of this study is to investigate whether a combination of intensive training of visual-spatial abilities (LOCATO task) with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) leads to an improvement in learning and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to examine the underlying neuronal mechanism.

Inclusion Criteria (MCI patients):

• right handedness

• amnestic and amnestic plus MCI with:

  1. subjective memory impairment;
  2. objective memory difficulties, at least 1 SD below gender, age and education adjusted standard values;
  3. relatively normal performance in other cognitive domains;
  4. no constraints in activities of daily livings
  5. age: 50-90 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe internal or psychiatric disease
• epilepsy
• other severe neurological diseases, e.g. previous major stroke or brain tumor
• DMS-IV manifest dementia
• contraindication for MRT (claustrophobia, metallic implants, tattoos)