Journal Article

DZNE-2024-00935

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png The role of frontal cortex in novel-word learning and consolidation: Evidence from focal transcranial direct current stimulation.

Riemann, S.Extern* ; van Lück, J. ; Rodríguez-Fornells, A. ; Flöel, A.DZNE* ; Meinzer, M.

2024
Elsevier New York, NY

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2024.05.004

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that conventional transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance novel-word learning. However, because of the widespread current that is induced by these setups and lack of appropriate control conditions, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. In the present double-blinded and sham-tDCS controlled study, we investigated for the first time if regionally precise focal tDCS targeting two key nodes of the novel-word learning network at different time points would result in regionally and temporally distinct effects. 156 participants completed a contextual novel-word-learning paradigm and learning success was probed immediately after the acquisition period and 30-min later. Participants were randomly assigned to six stimulation conditions: Active tDCS (1.5 mA) was administered to left inferior frontal (IFG) or middle temporal gyrus (MTG), either during acquisition or delayed recall. Control groups received sham-tDCS either during acquisition or delayed recall (50% IFG/MTG). Data were analyzed with a generalized linear mixed model with a binomial link function in a Bayesian framework. Our results showed that frontal tDCS selectively increased accuracy gains from immediate to delayed recall, irrespective of timing of the stimulation. There was no evidence for beneficial effects of middle temporal gyrus tDCS. Our findings confirm that IFG tDCS can enhance novel-word learning in a regionally, but not timing specific way. Tentatively, this may be explained by enhancement of semantic selection processes resulting in more effective consolidation and/or retrieval. Future studies using longer time intervals between assessments are required to clarify the potential contribution of neurophysiological after-effects of IFG tDCS administered during acquisition to enhanced consolidation.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: methods (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Adult (MeSH) ; Frontal Lobe: physiology (MeSH) ; Young Adult (MeSH) ; Learning: physiology (MeSH) ; Double-Blind Method (MeSH) ; Mental Recall: physiology (MeSH) ; Temporal Lobe: physiology (MeSH) ; Memory Consolidation: physiology (MeSH) ; Inferior frontal gyrus ; Middle temporal gyrus ; Novel word learning ; Regional specificity ; Temporal specificity ; focal tDCS

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Dementia Prevention – Mechanisms and Clinical Implementation (AG Flöel)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Social Sciences Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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