The use of cognitive training with tDCS for the reduction of impulsiveness and improvement of executive functions: a case study

Abstract

Impulsiveness and inhibitory control deficits represent one of the major difficulties in Attention Deficit disorders. It has been seen that these difficulties seem to be related to specific areas of the nervous system, such as the Prefrontal Area and the Inferior Frontal Gyrus. Several studies have shown how it is possible to improve inhibitory control and reduce impulsivity through the use of neurostimulation, in particular by single-session or multi-session protocols. Some of these researches have combined neurostimulation with tDCS with cognitive training, such as card or memory games, to improve the performance of some executive functions related to the frontal and prefrontal areas. The present work presents a treatment carried out on a 21-year-old subject with Attentive Disorder. The treatment consisted of the use of tDCS associated with cognitive training for 12 sessions. Cognitive batteries before starting the treatment and at the end of the treatment, as well as the trials on executive functions before each training session and at the end of the session, were administered. The results show an improvement in cognitive battery assessments before and after treatment. As regards the evaluations of executive function trials carried out for each session, however, the improvements are partial and related to some sessions. The results obtained in this work prove how the use of training, associated with neurostimulation, can represent an effective treatment for individuals with Attention Deficit. The possibility of using the protocol here proposed even remotely and without the assistance of an in presence operator, increases its potential and usefulness in care settings.