Dual Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Hierarchical Functional Network Organization in Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
CNS Neurosci TherSep 1, 2026
Yao Wang, Wan Liu, Wenjie Yang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of dual transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in 74 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The study found that active tDCS significantly improved Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (5.74 ± 2.76 vs. 2.69 ± 2.69, p < 0.001) compared to sham stimulation, alongside positive changes in attention and memory domains.
Key findings
- Active tDCS improved MoCA scores significantly compared to sham (5.74 ± 2.76 vs. 2.69 ± 2.69, p < 0.001).
- Increased regional homogeneity in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus was observed.
- Functional connectivity decreased between the right middle temporal gyrus-left superior frontal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus-cerebellum.
- Small-worldness and global efficiency of brain networks increased with tDCS treatment.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that dual-tDCS may enhance cognitive recovery in patients with PSCI, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach in stroke rehabilitation. Understanding the underlying neuroimaging changes could help tailor interventions for better outcomes.