# Effects of PFC tDCS on Cognitive Control, Attention Lapses and Coordinated Neural Activity in the Theta and Alpha Bands

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ · 2020 · $234,659

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Attention lapses refer to transient periods of off-task performance characterized by processing delays and
errors across a range of cognitive tasks and everyday activities. Attention lapsing is a feature of a number of
mental health disorders, including depression, ADHD and schizophrenia. Lapsing contributes significantly to
cognitive impairments in these disorders. Here we aim to test a theoretical model in which attention lapses are
regulated by the suite of cognitive control functions mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Increased
cognitive control demands on a variety of tasks have been tightly linked to coordinated neural activity in the
theta frequency band (4-7 Hz) using electrophysiology (EEG). We hypothesize that stimulation of the PFC will
enhance control-related theta activity and attentional control, leading to fewer attention lapses and improved
cognitive performance. Attention lapses will be measured both behaviorally and by coordinated neural activity
in the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz). We propose to test these hypotheses using a within-participants,
double-blind design that will measure behavioral and EEG theta- and alpha-band measures of cognitive control
and attention lapses following active PFC-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), compared to
Sham and Active Control stimulation (targeting occipital cortex, a region not hypothesized to support
attentional control). We further propose to test our model of PFC-mediated attentional control by assessing
individual differences in tDCS effects, using structural neuroimaging and computational modeling of current
flow. This proposal has two specific aims. Aim 1: Test an expanded model of cognitive control by evaluating
the impact of PFC-targeted tDCS on frontal theta oscillations (4-7 Hz) related to cognitive control and alpha
oscillations (8-12 Hz) related to attention lapses. Aim 2: Test an expanded model of cognitive control using
biologically-realistic modeling to assess individual differences in tDCS effects. The proposed work contains
several key theoretical and technical innovations, including the conceptualization of attentional control as a
PFC-mediated executive function, the use of an active control condition and the focus on the neural
underpinnings of attention lapses. This project will provide unique data towards our understanding of how
coordinated neural activity in the theta and alpha bands is related to lapsing and the extent to which the
electrophysiological patterns supporting attentional control can be modified using non-invasive
neurostimulation targeting the prefrontal cognitive control system. This would be of substantial value both to
the neurostimulation research community and, as lapsing is a core feature of psychopathology in many
psychiatric disorders, to mental health research more broadly.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969108
- **Project number:** 1R21MH120383-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ
- **Principal Investigator:** Megan A. Boudewyn
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $234,659
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-20 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969108

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969108, Effects of PFC tDCS on Cognitive Control, Attention Lapses and Coordinated Neural Activity in the Theta and Alpha Bands (1R21MH120383-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969108. Licensed CC0.

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