Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with significant impairment of cognitive function in the domains of memory and learning, including working memory (WM), implicit (IL) and probabilistic learning (PL). Previous research suggests that tDCS stimulation can improve cognitive functioning. We investigated if cognitive training with adjunct tDCS would improve learning rates in individuals with schizophrenia. The mechanism of action was investigated during an fMRI visit with concurrent tDCS. 49 right-handed patients with schizophrenia were randomized into real or sham tDCS. Participants completed 8 sessions of cognitive training, twice a day spread over 4 days (1, 2, 14 and 56). Anodal tDCS to the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC) was applied during day 1 and day 14. The cognitive training included a WM, IL, and PB task. Those suitable and willing underwent an fMRI scan on day 14, during which they completed an additional executive function (EF) task. Multilevel regressions were used to compare the learning rates between the real and sham tDCS groups. General linear models were used to analyse the fMRI data. We found a delayed effect of tDCS upon learning; real tDCS was associated with improved learning rates in the WM and PL task, but only after consolidation.
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