Moderating effects of gender, age and cognitive reserve on combined cognitive training and transcranial electrical stimulation

Abstract Cognitive training (CT) has been shown to improve cognition in elderly adults via targeted exercises for single or multiple cognitive domains. Combining CT with brain stimulation is thought be more effective due synergistic effects the areas and networks. However, little known about moderating of gender, age, reserve on outcomes. In this randomized, sham-controlled study, 59 healthy participants (mean age 71.7) were assigned receive computer-based (10 sessions, 50 min, twice weekly). During first 20 minutes each session received either tDCS (2 mA), tACS (1 mA, 5 Hz, 0° initial phase shift), sham stimulation. The anode was placed over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (35 cm2), cathode (100 cm2) supraorbital area. Participants trained processing speed, selective divided attention, executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control). performance assessed Montreal Assessment (MoCA), a composite score derived from broad neuropsychological test battery that administered before immediately after intervention as well at 6- 12-month follow-up. Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). We will report outcomes against finding differences between different study groups. Further provide information reserve. Finally, we discuss possible implications said factors planning combined studies. Research Category Technology Methods Translational Research: 5. Other Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) Keywords: direct current stimulation, random noise training, Aging