Transcranial electrical stimulation improves cognitive training effects in healthy elderly adults with low cognitive performance

To investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct (tDCS) or alternating current stimulation (tACS) in boosting cognitive training efficiency healthy older adults. We further explored whether such improvements depend on general performance age. In this randomized, sham-controlled study, 59 elderly participants (mean age 71.7) were assigned to receive computer-based (10 sessions, 50 min, twice weekly) combined with tDCS (2 mA), tACS (5 Hz), sham over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (20 minutes). Cognitive was assessed Montreal Assessment (MoCA), and a composite score derived from broad neuropsychological test battery before immediately after intervention as well at 6 12 months follow-ups. Performance improved significantly all groups but not modulated by neurostimulation. Additional analyses revealed that low initial MoCA (<1SD) more than group. TDCS increased training, only initially performance. interventions including should address baseline modulating factor outcomes.