The effects of electroencephalogram feature-based transcranial alternating current stimulation on working memory and electrophysiology

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can influence cognitive functions by modulating brain oscillations. However, results regarding the effectiveness of tACS in regulating cognitive performance have been inconsistent. In the present study, we aimed to find EEG characteristics associated with the improvements in working memory performance, to select tACS stimulus targets and frequency based on this feature, and to explore effects of selected stimulus on verbal working memory. To achieve this goal, we first investigated the EEG characteristics associated with improvements in working memory performance with the aid of EEG analyses and machine learning techniques. These analyses suggested that 8 Hz activity in the prefrontal region was related to accuracy in the verbal working memory task. The tACS stimulus target and pattern were then selected based on the EEG feature. Finally, the selected tACS frequency (8 Hz tACS in the prefrontal region) was applied to modulate working memory. The performance of working memory was improved significantly using the selected stimulation than using 40 Hz and sham stimulation (Especially for participants with low verbal working memory). In conclusion, using EEG features related to positive behavioral changes to select brain regions and stimulation patterns for tACS is an effective intervention for improving working memory. Our results contribute to the groundwork for future tACS closed-loop interventions for cognitive deterioration.