Cognitive Enhancement via Network-Targeted Cortico-cortical Associative Brain Stimulation. (30th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Momi, D; Neri, F; Coiro, G; Smeralda, C; Veniero, D; Sprugnoli, G; Rossi, A; Pascual-Leone, A; Rossi, S; Santarnecchi, E
• Is Part Of: Cerebral cortex. Volume 30:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 1516
• Page End: 1527
• Publication Date: 2019-10-30
• Subjects: abstract reasoning -- fluid intelligence -- Hebbian plasticity -- logical reasoning -- transcranial magnetic stimulation; Cerebral cortex -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 612.825
• DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1047-3211

Abstract

Abstract: Fluid intelligence (g f ) represents a crucial component of human cognition, as it correlates with academic achievement, successful aging, and longevity. However, it has strong resilience against enhancement interventions, making the identification of g f enhancement approaches a key unmet goal of cognitive neuroscience. Here, we applied a spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP)-inducing brain stimulation protocol, named cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (cc-PAS), to modulate g f in 29 healthy young subjects (13 females—mean ± standard deviation, 25.43 years ± 3.69), based on dual-coil transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Pairs of neuronavigated TMS pulses (10-ms interval) were delivered over two frontoparietal nodes of the g f network, based on individual functional magnetic resonance imaging data and in accordance with cognitive models of information processing across the prefrontal and parietal lobe. cc-PAS enhanced accuracy at g f tasks, with parieto-frontal and fronto-parietal stimulation significantly increasing logical and relational reasoning, respectively. Results suggest the possibility of using SPTD-inducing TMS protocols to causally validate cognitive models by selectively engaging relevant networks and manipulating inter-regional temporal dynamics supporting specific cognitive functions.