Abstract
Episodic memory is impaired in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is posited as a potential prodromal form of Alzheimer's disease. Reactivated existing memories become sensitive to modification during reconsolidation. There is evidence that the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays causal role in episodic memory reconsolidation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the PFC after a contextual reminder enhanced episodic memory performance up to 1 month, conceivably through reconsolidation, in older adults with subjective memory complaints, a condition that may represent a "pre-mild cognitive impairment" stage. The aim of this pilot study was to test the effect of PFC-tDCS (anode over left lateral PFC, cathode over right supraorbital area) after a contextual reminder on episodic memory in older adults with aMCI. Older adults with aMCI learned a list of words. Twenty-four hours later, tDCS (Active or Sham) was applied after a contextual reminder. Memory retrieval (free recall and recognition) was tested 48 hrs and 1 month after the learning session. Active tDCS enhanced recognition memory relative to Sham stimulation. Modulating reconsolidation with PFC-tDCS might be a novel intervention to enhance episodic memories in aMCI.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
