tES Effects on Associative Memory Performance

Effects of Transcranial Electric Stimulation on Associative Memory Formation in Healthy Elderly Participants as Well as in Individuals With Memory Impairment

Previous studies showed that transcranial electric stimulation (tES) applied over the prefrontal cortex improves cognitive performance in healthy elderly adults as well as in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, tES methods might be a useful intervention tool for patients suffering from memory impairment in early terms of the disease.

The present study aims at establishing a connection between the stimulation-induced changes on associative memory performance and its underlying neurophysiological parameters. tES effects and their underlying mechanisms will be compared between healthy elderly controls and clinical study populations receiving either real or sham tES over the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex during an associative memory task.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Non-smokers
• Right-handedness
• Native German speakers or comparable level of fluency
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological or psychiatric condition (other than diagnosed cognitive impairment)
• Past head injuries
• Magnetizable implants
• History of seizures
• Current or life-time alcohol or drug abuse
• Skin diseases