Boer, Marit (2024) Theta Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation: Predicting the Progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Within 30 months post-diagnosis, 27-49% of people with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) progress to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). While gamma-transcranial alternating current stimulation (gamma-tACS) may predict MCI-to-AD conversion, the predictive value of theta-tACS remains unclear. This longitudinal study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Thirty Dutch individuals with aMCI received theta-tACS at 6Hz (6Hz-Group), individualized theta frequencies (Ind-Group), or sham stimulation (Sham-Group) over 10 days at P3 and F3 electrode positions, with group assignment double-blinded at analysis. Neural changes were assessed by examining theta band oscillation (TBO) power changes at T7 (left hemisphere) and T8 (right hemisphere) electrodes from baseline (T0) to ten days post-stimulation (T1), utilizing nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Seven participants exhibited significant bilateral (T7/T8) TBO power increases, while five displayed bilateral decreases. Four participants showed significant unilateral increases in TBO power, while three showed unilateral decreases. Four participants exhibited TBO power changes in opposite directions for both electrodes, and five participants did not show significant TBO power changes. A left-hemisphere dominance in TBO power increase was observed. Cognitive changes were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) at T0 and one-year follow-up (T3). TBO power at T8 was associated with significant MMSE decreases, but no significant cognitive changes were observed in relation to TBO power changes at T7 or bilaterally. No significant predictors of cognitive or neural changes were found. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up periods is needed to fully assess theta-tACS's potential for MCI-to-AD conversion.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Aleman, A. and Gorlich, K.S. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jul 2024 07:40 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jul 2024 07:40 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3607 |
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