Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Cerebellum to Modulate Cognition in Humans

Begin with a participant wearing a headset with a microphone, seated before a computer screen.

First, announce the numbers through the headset, enabling the participant to perform an addition task by vocalizing each answer, followed by a subtraction task.

Next, display words on the screen so the participant can perform three distinct tasks: reading nouns, generating verbs associated with the nouns, and reading verbs.

Position a saline-soaked cathodal electrode over the right cerebellar cortex and an anodal electrode on the right shoulder muscle.

Apply cathodal tDCS.

The current hyperpolarizes cerebellar Purkinje cells, reducing inhibitory neurotransmitter release.

This disinhibits the deep cerebellar nuclei, which send excitatory signals to the thalamus.

The thalamus increases excitatory input to the prefrontal cortex, enhancing cognitive function.

After stimulation, the participant repeats the tasks.

Compare this performance with the pre-stimulation results to assess the neurotherapeutic potential of cathodal tDCS.

To begin the task again, ensure that the participant is seated comfortably and that the stimulus and responses are audible. Begin the task and present the 60 items at the appropr