Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a novel, non-invasive and safe neuro-modulating technique, has been developed as a new therapeutic option for neuropsychiatric disorders. It encompasses the induction of a relatively weak constant current flow through the cerebral cortex via scalp electrodes. Dependent on stimulation polarity, this results in a modulation of cortical excitability and spontaneous neural activity. Compared with tDCS, high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is highly focal and can specifically modulate cortical activity within the region confined by its 4 x 1 ring of elctrodes, such that the targeted region becomes more amenable to neuroplastic change. Studies have suggested that tDCS improve cognition, including memory recall, verbal fluency and executive function. Yet, there is not HD-tDCS study on MCI. The purpose of this study is to examine whether HD-tDCS could benefit global cognitive function and sub-domains of cognition (visual/verbal/working memory, executive function, attention, processing speed, language, and frontal lobe function), mood (depression and anxiety), and subjective memory impairment in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
The study aimed to investigate whether high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) could benefit global cognitive function and sub-domains of cognition (visual/verbal/working memory, executive function, attention, processing speed, language, and frontal lobe function), mood (depression and anxiety), and subjective memory impairment in patients with mild cognitive impairment.