FROM NEUROSCIENCE LABORATORY TO NEUROLOGY CLINIC

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POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TRANSCRANIAL ALTERNATING CURRENT STIMULATION ON MEMORY FUNCTIONS: NEW PERSPECTIVES

Tuba Aktürk

Maastricht University, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Maastricht, Netherlands

Aktürk T. Potential Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Memory Functions: New Perspectives. In: Hanoğlu L, editor. From Neuroscience Laboratory to Neurology Clinic. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.119130.

ABSTRACT

The basis of cognitive abilities is closely related to the correct and proper functioning of memory processes. It is known that impairment in memory processes is generally not isolated, but rather causes impairment in multiple domains. Conversely, it is known that memory processes are affected in many diseases that are not mainly defined as a memory disorder. Although the current literature has shown significant advances and developments in memory studies, intervention in memory processes and noninvasive modulation of memory processes based on the findings obtained so far is an area that is open to development and is in need. In this context, transcranial electrical stimulation appears as a noninvasive brain stimulation method based on manipulating cognitive processes by interfering with cortical activation. One of the most common forms is transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). tACS stands out as a method that can specifically intervene in the ongoing oscillatory activity of the brain on a frequency basis. In this way, external manipulation of endogenous brain oscillations offers the opportunity to establish and test the connection between brain oscillations and cognitive processes such as memory. In this context, throughout this chapter, the potential effects of different tACS applications on memory modulation and their possible clinical applications will be discussed with examples from the literature.

Keywords: Cognitive neuroscience; Electric stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Memory; Brain waves; Electroencephalography

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