Theta–gamma tACS modulates attention network synchronization, not isolated network performance

IF 2.7 4区 医学 Q3 NEUROSCIENCES Brain Research Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI:10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149550
Lukas Diedrich, Hannah I. Kolhoff, Clara Bergmann, Sukanya Chakraborty, Andrea Antal
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Abstract

As the brain ages, oscillatory changes disrupt neuronal communication, contributing to cognitive decline in key areas such as parts of the attention network system. This study explores the effects of multi-session low-intensity transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) on the efficiency of the alerting, orienting, and executive control networks in older adults. Using a 16-session theta–gamma tACS protocol targeting the prefrontal cortex, we examined its impact on Attention Network Task (ANT) performance of 76 participants aged 55 to 84 in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design. To account for the influence of brain state, both active and sham tACS groups underwent cognitive n-back training during stimulation. Despite no significant modulations in attention network efficiencies, generalized linear mixed-effect modeling revealed that active tACS negatively influenced overall reaction time (RT) improvements, resulting in poorer ANT performance compared to the sham group. Additionally, active tACS disrupted network correlations post-intervention, particularly affecting the alerting network’s interactions with the orienting and executive networks. These findings provide further evidence for the involvement of theta–gamma coupling in attention processes, though without network-specific effects. The results underscore the potential of frequency-specific neurostimulation to modulate cognitive functions but also emphasize the need for caution, as such interventions may inadvertently impair brain network dynamics.

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来源期刊
Brain Research
Brain Research 医学-神经科学
CiteScore
5.90
自引率
3.40%
发文量
268
审稿时长
47 days
期刊介绍: An international multidisciplinary journal devoted to fundamental research in the brain sciences. Brain Research publishes papers reporting interdisciplinary investigations of nervous system structure and function that are of general interest to the international community of neuroscientists. As is evident from the journals name, its scope is broad, ranging from cellular and molecular studies through systems neuroscience, cognition and disease. Invited reviews are also published; suggestions for and inquiries about potential reviews are welcomed. With the appearance of the final issue of the 2011 subscription, Vol. 67/1-2 (24 June 2011), Brain Research Reviews has ceased publication as a distinct journal separate from Brain Research. Review articles accepted for Brain Research are now published in that journal.
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