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Temporal gamma tACS and auditory stimulation affect verbal memory in healthy adults
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  • Valerio Manippa,
  • Michael A Nitsche,
  • Marco Filardi,
  • Davide Vilella,
  • Gaetano Scianatico,
  • Giancarlo Logroscino,
  • Davide Rivolta
Valerio Manippa
University of Bari Aldo Moro

Corresponding Author:valerio.manippa@uniba.it

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Michael A Nitsche
Leibniz-Institut fur Arbeitsforschung an der TU Dortmund
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Marco Filardi
Pia Fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinale G Panico
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Davide Vilella
Pia Fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinale G Panico
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Gaetano Scianatico
University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Giancarlo Logroscino
Pia Fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinale G Panico
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Davide Rivolta
University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Abstract

Research suggests a potential of gamma oscillation entrainment for enhancing memory in Alzheimer’s disease and healthy subjects. Gamma entrainment can be accomplished with oscillatory electrical, but also sensory stimulation. However, comparative studies between sensory stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) effects on memory processes are lacking. This study examined the effects of rhythmic gamma auditory stimulation (rAS) and temporal gamma-tACS on verbal long-term memory (LTM) and working memory (WM) in 74 healthy individuals. Participants were assigned to two groups according to the stimulation techniques (rAS or tACS). Memory was assessed in three experimental blocks, in which each participant was administered with control, 40 Hz, and 60 Hz stimulation in counterbalanced order. All interventions were well-tolerated, and participants reported mostly comparable side effects between real stimulation (40 Hz and 60 Hz) and the control condition. LTM immediate and delayed recall remained unaffected by stimulations, while immediate recall intrusions decreased during 60 Hz stimulation. Notably, 40 Hz interventions improved WM compared to control stimulations. These results highlight the potential of 60 Hz and 40 Hz temporal cortex stimulation for reducing immediate LTM recall intrusions and improving WM performance, respectively, probably due to the entrainment of specific gamma oscillations in the auditory cortex. The results also shed light on the comparative effects of these neuromodulation tools on memory functions, and their potential applications for cognitive enhancement and in clinical trials.
30 Jan 2024Submitted to Psychophysiology
31 Jan 2024Submission Checks Completed
31 Jan 2024Assigned to Editor
31 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Apr 20241st Revision Received
05 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept