Cognitive Enhancement Through Model-based and Individualized Neurostimulation

The purpose of this research is to compare the effects of different transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) protocols on both EEG and behavioral markers associated with attention and cognitive control. Both conventional tES protocols (tDCS, tACS) will be compared with customized stimulation waveforms derived from an individualized whole-brain neural model (MINDy), and with periods of sham or no-stimulation.

Non-invasive brain stimulation approaches hold great promise as an intervention to enhance cognitive and brain function in humans, both in clinically impaired and even healthy young adult populations. Transcranial electrical stimulation, known as tES, refers to a family of methods that utilize low-cost technologies and involve low-intensity currents which are safe for humans, and carry minimal risk of side effects or adverse events. Conventional approaches, which utilize fixed direct currents (tDCS) or alternating currents at a fixed oscillatory frequency (tACS), have been widely used as both a basic research tool and as a clinical intervention. However, current literature suggests that tES may be more effective when deployed with stimulation protocols that are: 1) personalized (i.e., respecting individual differences in brain anatomy and function); and 2) informed by an understanding of the mechanisms that govern brain network activation dynamics and interactions.

The investigators will use a single-group design in which 60 healthy young adults receive different stimulation protocols, (plus an additional 10-12 recruited during the initial pilot testing phase), randomized within-subject during either resting- state (Aims 1, 2) or cognitive task conditions (Aim 3), while brain activity is monitored with electroencephalography (EEG). During the EEG recording periods, stimulation epochs will be randomly intermixed with epochs of sham or no- stimulation, with participants masked to the condition. Additionally, conventional stimulation protocols (tDCS, tACS) will be compared with customized stimulation waveforms derived from an individualized whole-brain neural model.

The study will consist of two EEG+tES sessions each lasting approximately one hour, and occurring on separate days.

Outcomes will be assessed in terms of different EEG markers, including spectral power both at the stimulation site and at target brain networks associated with attention and cognitive control (frontoparietal [FPN] and default mode [DMN] networks). Behavioral performance will also be assessed on a well-established experimental task (AX-CPT) that manipulates attention and cognitive control demands, in terms of key accuracy and reaction time performance indices.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy younger adults (ages 18 to 45). Community-living men, women or non-binary, aged 18-45

Exclusion criteria

• Taking psychotropic medication or medication with cognitive side effects
• Medical disorder that affects cognitive or motor function
• Past/present head injury associated with loss of consciousness or neurological sequelae
• Prior occurrence of seizure of any origin
• Skin conditions affecting the scalp
• Scalp tattoos
• Rashes, sores or open wounds on scalp or face