Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Probing Intracortical Circuits and Improving Cognition in the Aging Brain

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

Joyce Gomes-Osman¹  Peter J. Fried¹  Molly E. McLaren²  Nicole R. Nissim²  Adam J. Woods²  Serkan Aksu²  Aprinda Indahlastari²  Danylo L. F. Cabral³  Jordyn Rice³ 

[1] Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States;Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States;Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States;Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States;

关键词: cognitive aging;    non-invasive brain stimulation;    TMS;    tDCS;    cognition;    neuromodulation;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnagi.2018.00177

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The impact of cognitive aging on brain function and structure is complex, and the relationship between aging-related structural changes and cognitive function are not fully understood. Physiological and pathological changes to the aging brain are highly variable, making it difficult to estimate a cognitive trajectory with which to monitor the conversion to cognitive decline. Beyond the information on the structural and functional consequences of cognitive aging gained from brain imaging and neuropsychological studies, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enable stimulation of the human brain in vivo, offering useful insights into the functional integrity of intracortical circuits using electrophysiology and neuromodulation. TMS measurements can be used to identify and monitor changes in cortical reactivity, the integrity of inhibitory and excitatory intracortical circuits, the mechanisms of long-term potentiation (LTP)/depression-like plasticity and central cholinergic function. Repetitive TMS and tDCS can be used to modulate neuronal excitability and enhance cortical function, and thus offer a potential means to slow or reverse cognitive decline. This review will summarize and critically appraise relevant literature regarding the use of TMS and tDCS to probe cortical areas affected by the aging brain, and as potential therapeutic tools to improve cognitive function in the aging population. Challenges arising from intra-individual differences, limited reproducibility, and methodological differences will be discussed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown