Open AccessTranscranial stimulation of alpha oscillations up-regulates the default mode network
Author(s) -
Kevin J. Clancy,
Jeremy A. Andrzejewski,
Yuqi You,
Jens T. Rosenberg,
Mingzhou Ding,
Wen Li
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2110868119
Subject(s) - default mode network , neuroscience , alpha (finance) , electroencephalography , transcranial alternating current stimulation , brain stimulation , psychology , stimulation , transcranial direct current stimulation , transcranial magnetic stimulation , functional connectivity , developmental psychology , construct validity , psychometrics
Significance In the brain’s functional organization, the default mode network (DMN) represents a key architecture, whose dysregulation is involved in a host of major neuropsychiatric disorders. However, insights into the regulation of the DMN remain scarce. Through neural synchrony, the alpha-frequency oscillation represents another key underpinning of the brain’s organization and is thought to share an inherent interdependence with the DMN. Here, we demonstrated that transcranial alternating current stimulation of alpha oscillations (α-tACS) not only augmented alpha activity but also strengthened connectivity of the DMN, with the former serving as a mediator of the latter. These findings reveal that alpha oscillations can support DMN functioning. In addition, they identify an effective noninvasive approach to regulate the DMN via α-tACS.