Effectiveness of interventions of cognitive training, cranial electrical stimulation (CES) and their combination on attention and delayed memory of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Introduction: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a cognitive profile of aging that requires attention and treatment. Among the types of cognitive rehabilitation therapies, non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive training can be highlighted as interventions for mild cognitive impairment. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training interventions, cranial electrical stimulation, and their combination in attention and delayed memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Method: This research employs a single-case experimental design involving comparing multiple treatments with follow-up. The study population consists of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment attending the memory clinic at Modarres Hospital in Isfahan in 2023. According to the research design, two patients were selected through purposive sampling, and the three treatment modalities were implemented in the following sequence: cranial electrical stimulation, a combined treatment that includes cognitive training along with transcranial electrical stimulation, and cognitive training alone. Results: The results of the follow-up phase for the first and second participants regarding the attention variable were as follows: PND1 =100; RCI1 =19.05; PND2 =100; RCI2 =19.05. For the delayed memory variable, the first and second participants' results were: PND1 =100; RCI1 =13; PND2 =100; RCI2 =15. Therefore, the treatment arrangement of cranial electrical stimulation, combined therapy, and cognitive training has a significant positive effect on attention and delayed memory. Conclusion: Cranial electrical stimulation influences neurotransmitters and neural networks, creating a foundation for cognitive training effects by establishing new synapses and alterations in dendritic configuration. Consequently, their synergistic effects contribute to the improvement of cognitive behaviors.