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Evidence against benefits from cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy older adults

Author

Listed:
  • Kristina S. Horne

    (University of Queensland)

  • Hannah L. Filmer

    (University of Queensland)

  • Zoie E. Nott

    (University of Queensland)

  • Ziarih Hawi

    (Monash University)

  • Kealan Pugsley

    (Monash University)

  • Jason B. Mattingley

    (University of Queensland
    University of Queensland)

  • Paul E. Dux

    (University of Queensland)

Abstract

Cognitive training and brain stimulation show promise for ameliorating age-related neurocognitive decline. However, evidence for this is controversial. In a Registered Report, we investigated the effects of these interventions, where 133 older adults were allocated to four groups (left prefrontal cortex anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with decision-making training, and three control groups) and trained over 5 days. They completed a task/questionnaire battery pre- and post-training, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. COMT and BDNF Val/Met polymorphisms were also assessed. Contrary to work in younger adults, there was evidence against tDCS-induced training enhancement on the decision-making task. Moreover, there was evidence against transfer of training gains to untrained tasks or everyday function measures at any post-intervention time points. As indicated by exploratory work, individual differences may have influenced outcomes. But, overall, the current decision-making training and tDCS protocol appears unlikely to lead to benefits for older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristina S. Horne & Hannah L. Filmer & Zoie E. Nott & Ziarih Hawi & Kealan Pugsley & Jason B. Mattingley & Paul E. Dux, 2021. "Evidence against benefits from cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy older adults," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 146-158, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:5:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41562-020-00979-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-00979-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Daria Antonenko & Anna Elisabeth Fromm & Friederike Thams & Ulrike Grittner & Marcus Meinzer & Agnes Flöel, 2023. "Microstructural and functional plasticity following repeated brain stimulation during cognitive training in older adults," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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