Laser-Enhanced sustained attention and working memory in neurocognitive disorder

• In Event: Graduate Competition Oral Session 2

Abstract

We investigated for the first time the influence of prefrontal infrared laser stimulation on sustained attention and working memory in older adults experiencing symptoms of mild neurocognitive disorder. Transcranial infrared laser stimulation involves using infrared light to enhance neurobiological functions. We have previously shown that, when targeted at the prefrontal cortex, infrared laser stimulation can improve executive function, rule-based category learning, sustained attention and working memory in a young healthy population. In this ongoing project, older participants (ages 18-74, n=10) with symptoms of mild neurocognitive disorder completed a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and two delayed match-to-sample tasks (DMS), one easier and another more difficult DMS task (i.e., 4x4 and 6x6 matrix), before and after four or six weekly laser sessions. Preliminary findings revealed improved sustained attention as measured by PVT reaction time in 6 participants. Working memory accuracy as measured by number of correct responses improved in 5 participants on the easy task (DMS 4x4) and 6 participants on the difficult task (DMS 6x6). Additionally, 3 of the 5 participants that improved on DMS 4x4 and 4 of the 6 that improved on DMS 6x6 also showed improvement in memory retrieval times. This novel, non-invasive technique has been shown to up-regulate the amount of the respiratory enzyme cytochrome oxidase, enhancing neuronal capacity for metabolic energy production used to support cognitive brain functions. Applications of transcranial infrared laser stimulation in humans in vivo are novel, and preliminary research indicates promise for wide-ranging experimental and clinical applications, including prevention of cognitive decline.

Authors

• Celeste L. Saucedo, University of Texas at Austin

• Courtney Alexander, University of Texas at Austin

• Douglas W. Barrett, The University of Texas at Austin

• F. Gonzalez-Lima, The University of Texas at Austin