This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on working memory performance measured by a couple cognitive tasks. We are currently in the data collection phase of our study and plan to continue gathering data during the fall semester.

tACS is a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that involves running a relatively weak, sinusoidal current through electrodes placed on the scalp. Past research has shown that NIBS can help improve language performance along with other cognitive processes such as working memory, learning, and cognitive control.  

We plan to apply this technique to test Working Memory (WM) which is the ability to hold (memorize) information for a short period of time. This largely applies to information that is no longer visually present. WM is important in daily tasks such as short term memory, decision making, and problem solving. WM is mainly associated with the prefrontal cortex as well as the temporal lobe, which is around the region where we plan to stimulate.

The reason why this is important is because WM tends to worsen as individuals get older and is significantly hindered in neurological diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

In this study, subjects complete WM tasks before and after stimulation for 2 visits (sham and active tACS). We hypothesize that in comparison to sham, active theta frontotemporal tACS will enhance WM performance for tasks of higher demand/complexity.

We have collected some preliminary data but plan to collect a lot more data for more conclusive results during the fall and potentially spring semester.