Cognitive Training Combined With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults in a Home-based Context

The goal of the present study is to assess feasibility (primary) and cognitive training and transfer effects of a home-based multi-session cognitive training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS, particularly in combination with cognitive training, represents a promising approach to counteract cognitive decline and restore impaired functions. However, combined interventions of cognitive training and tDCS involve frequent visits to the facility, which leads to the need of space, time and personnel, and imposes strains on the participants. This study will elucidate the feasibility of tDCS and cognitive training in a home-based context. Healthy older adults will participate in a two-week cognitive training with concurrent online tDCS application in their own homes. Feasibility, as well as cognitive performance will be examined before, during and after the intervention. In order to draw conclusions about the effect of tDCS in addition to cognitive training, a control group, receiving sham stimulation during training, will be assessed. A Follow-up session to assess long-term effects is planned four weeks after the post assessment. We hypothesize that with appropriate training of the participants and close supervision the use of combined tDCS and cognitive training in an ecologically valid environment by the participants themselves is feasible. In addition, we hypothesize this protocol will lead to improved performance on the trained tasks in both experimental groups. We expect increased performance on transfer tasks and long-term maintenance of the effects after anodal compared to sham stimulation. A successful implementation of the intervention in the home-based setting will contribute to the development of home-based tDCS as a widely available therapy option in clinical populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 60 - 80 years
• Right handedness

Exclusion criteria

• Neurodegenerative neurological illnesses, epilepsy or history of seizures
• Severe and untreated medical conditions that preclude participation in the training, as determined by responsible physician
• History of severe alcoholism or use of drugs
• Severe psychiatric disorders such as depression (if not in remission) or psychosis
• Contraindication to tDCS application