Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation May Improve Cognitive-Motor Function in Functionally Limited Older Adults

Brad Manor*, Junhong Zhou, Rachel Harrison, On Yee Lo, Thomas G. Travison, Jeffrey M. Hausdorff, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Lewis Lipsitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective. To determine the effects of a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention with the anode placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and cathode over the right supraorbital region, on cognition, mobility, and “dual-task” standing and walking in older adults with mild-to-moderate motor and cognitive impairments. Methods. A double-blinded, block-randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted in 18 nondemented, ambulatory adults aged ⩾65 years with slow walking speed (⩽1.0 m/s) and “executive” dysfunction (Trail Making Test B score ⩽25th percentile of age- and education-matched norms). Interventions included ten 20-minute sessions of tDCS or sham stimulation. Cognition, mobility, and dual-task standing and walking were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 2 weeks thereafter. Dual tasking was also assessed immediately before and after the first tDCS session. Results. Intervention compliance was high (mean ± SD = 9.5 ± 1.1 sessions) and no unexpected or serious side effects were reported. tDCS, compared with sham, induced improvements in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (P =.03) and specifically within the executive function subscore of this test (P =.002), and in several metrics of dual-task standing and walking (P <.05). Each of these effects persisted for 2 weeks. tDCS had no effect on the Timed Up-and-Go test of mobility or the Geriatric Depression Scale. Those participants who exhibited larger improvements in dual-task standing posture following the first tDCS session exhibited larger cognitive-motor improvements following 2 weeks of tDCS (P <.04). Interpretation. tDCS intervention designed to stimulate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve executive function and dual tasking in older adults with functional limitations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)788-798
Number of pages11
JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Volume32
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2018

Keywords

  • dual-task standing
  • executive function
  • older adults
  • tDCS

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