A randomized study on the effect of a wearable device using 0.75 Hz transcranial electrical stimulation on sleep onset insomnia.

Introduction: The normal transition to sleep is characterized by a reduction in higher frequency activity and an increase in lower frequency activity in frontal brain regions. In sleep onset insomnia these changes in activity are weaker and may prolong the transition to sleep.

Methods: Using a wearable device, we compared 30min of short duration repetitive transcranial electric stimulation (SDR-tES) at 0.

Uncertainty-based modulation for lifelong learning.

The creation of machine learning algorithms for intelligent agents capable of continuous, lifelong learning is a critical objective for algorithms being deployed on real-life systems in dynamic environments. Here we present an algorithm inspired by neuromodulatory mechanisms in the human brain that integrates and expands upon Stephen Grossberg's ground-breaking Adaptive Resonance Theory proposals. Specifically, it builds on the concept of uncertainty, and employs a series of "neuromodulatory" mechanisms to enable continuous learning, including self-supervised and one-shot learning.

Short Duration Repetitive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation During Sleep Enhances Declarative Memory of Facts.

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) during sleep has been shown to successfully modulate memory consolidation. Here, we tested the effect of short duration repetitive tES (SDR-tES) during a daytime nap on the consolidation of declarative memory of facts in healthy individuals. We use a previously described approach to deliver the stimulation at regular intervals during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, specifically stage NREM2 and NREM3.

Closed-Loop Targeted Memory Reactivation during Sleep Improves Spatial Navigation.

Sounds associated with newly learned information that are replayed during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep can improve recall in simple tasks. The mechanism for this improvement is presumed to be reactivation of the newly learned memory during sleep when consolidation takes place. We have developed an EEG-based closed-loop system to precisely deliver sensory stimulation at the time of down-state to up-state transitions during NREM sleep.

The impact of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on learning fine-motor sequences.

The cerebellum has been shown to be important for skill learning, including the learning of motor sequences. We investigated whether cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) would enhance learning of fine motor sequences. Because the ability to generalize or transfer to novel task variations or circumstances is a crucial goal of real world training, we also examined the effect of tDCS on performance of novel sequences after training.

Cerebellar activation during motor sequence learning is associated with subsequent transfer to new sequences.

Effective learning results not only in improved performance on a practiced task, but also in the ability to transfer the acquired knowledge to novel, similar tasks. Using a modified serial reaction time (RT) task, the authors examined the ability to transfer to novel sequences after practicing sequences in a repetitive order versus a nonrepeating interleaved order. Interleaved practice resulted in better performance on new sequences than repetitive practice.

Cognitive performance in women aged 50 years and older with and without fibromyalgia.

Objectives: Persons with fibromyalgia (FM) report having cognitive dysfunction. Neuropsychological performance was compared across a variety of domains in 43 women with FM (Mage = 63 years) and in 44 women without FM (Mage = 65 years).

Method: Measures included explicit memory (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease [CERAD] immediate/delayed recall, delayed recognition), aspects of executive function including interference/inhibition (Stroop Color/Word test), working memory (Digit Span Forward/Backward), set-shifting/complex sequencing (Trails B), monitoring (verbal fluency: naming animals), processing speed (Trails A, Digit Symbol Substitution Coding), and problem solving (Everyday Problems Test).

Positive associations between physical and cognitive performance measures in fibromyalgia.

Objective: To investigate the associations between perceived physical function (self-report) and physical and cognitive performance (objective assessments) in persons with fibromyalgia (FM).

Design: Correlational study.

Setting: Exercise testing laboratory in Southern California.