Transcranial stimulation of alpha oscillations upregulates the default mode network
Kevin J. Clancy, Jeremy A. Andrzejewski, Jens T. Rosenberg et al. preprint
Stimulating the brain's alpha oscillations with a non-invasive technique called high-definition alpha-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (α-tACS) strengthened the default mode network (DMN), a key brain network involved in self-reflection and mind-wandering. Compared to a sham control, α-tACS increased both EEG alpha oscillations and fMRI connectivity within the core of the DMN. The increase in alpha activity mediated the enhancement of DMN connectivity. These results identify a mechanistic link between alpha oscillations and DMN functioning and suggest that α-tACS could be an effective non-invasive intervention for normalizing DMN dysregulation in neuropsychiatric disorders.