In our quest to identify methods to augment neurotrophic benefits for brain health, as opposed to transient nootropic effects (e.g., temporarily improved memory), brings up the question of transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS. Recall that neurotrophic effects generate biochemical and structural changes that yield a long-lasting, durable effect on brain structure and health. It may be mediated by the growth factor, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), it may involve an increase in brain cells (neurons) or the richness of interconnections between brain cells (synapses), or a reduction in factors that are associated with declining brain health and cognition, such as beta-amyloid plaque and tau proteins.
This opens the question over whether tDCS—essentially passing a small electrical current through specific regions of the brain—should be a part of a brain health program. (TDS is not to be confused with the unrelated electroconvulsive therapy, in which a high-voltage AC current is passed through the brain sufficient to generate chaotic brain activity and seizures.) We know that tDCS is neurotrophic via increased BNDF release. We also know that a finite number of tDCS sessions can yield a durable effect, suggesting a neurotrophic, not just a nootropic, effect (at least up to 3 months).
People who have used this either on their own or as part of formal clinical trials (there have been several hundred) report such effects as increased concentration, accelerated learning, reducing the time to learn a language, better word recall. Other specific benefits can be obtained that include reduced depression and anxiety, reduced risk taking behavior, and reduced addictive behaviors (e.g., smoking, drinking, drugs). The effect depends on the placement of the anode and the cathode on the scalp/face, with the anode promoting stimulatory neuronal effects and the cathode promoting destimulatory neuronal effects. Anode/cathode placement, or “montages,” are therefore key. A sampling of some of the tDCS anode/cathode montages can be viewed here. (My setup is shown in the photo above; red = anode, black = cathode.)
I have used this method over about 20 sessions over the past 4 weeks. During the sessions, starting about 10 minutes into a 30-minute session (at 2 mA current), I experience a modest, though not profound as some people report, increase in concentration and ability to read and comprehend written words, particularly using the DARPA montage (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex/right temple anode, left shoulder or other “neutral” left-sided cathode). It is too early to gauge whether I’ve had an impact outside of the sessions, though I believe I have experienced a subtle increase in concentration, though not dramatic. (Curiously, I used to have peculiar emotional nightmares as a kid characterized by a flood of feelings of terror, but have not had that happen in over 50 years. After my initial 10 or so tDCS sessions, I had an evening in which I woke with a less dramatic recurrence of this nightmare, recurring every time I tried to fall back asleep, such that I sat up and watched TV for an hour before I could fall asleep again. A neurotrophic consequence?)
There are now three clinical trials that demonstrate a modest improvement in cognition after tDCS, though montages have differed in each study. There is no remaining question, however, that tDCS has efficacy in conditions such as depression and can accelerate learning.
Should you go out and purchase a device, such as the Brain Driver? (I paid $169 for it.) I’m not sure. It depends on your read of the science and adventurousness. I will tell you that it is not an entirely pleasant process. There is modest tingling, particularly at the anode. If you move and the electrodes shift, you can see flashing white lights. And the electrodes use saline-soaked sponges that, if a bit too moist, drip water down your face. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad.
Given the fact that conventional medical care has NO treatment options for dementia—drugs such as Aricept and Sinemet only reduce the symptoms slightly but have no neurotrophic brain benefits and cognitive impairment proceeds unimpeded—I would explore something like tDCS before I submitted to the garbage being passed off as conventional medical treatment.
This and other neurotrophic strategies will be discussed in-depth in our Undoctored Inner Circle in future, the place in which we collaborate in seeking and finding new health solutions that you can institute yourself.