The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: a Review of its Role on Cognitive Functions

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is often selected as an excitatory target in the brain. A wide range of cognitive functions that can be modulated by the stimulation of this area makes it difficult to predict precise stimulation effect. The stimulation of DLPFC by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be effective in modifying a wide range of cognitive activities. From a relatively simple and low-level activity, such as the attention process, to the complex cognitive functions, such as decision making and working memory, can be affected by tDCS. The effects of tDCS are very diverse and dependent on stimulation parameters, which sometimes lead to conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to investigate and identify various cognitive domains resulting from the effect of tDCS on DLPFC.

Several complex cognitive activities are carried out by the DLPFC. The stimulation of this area by tDCS simultaneously activates multiple cognitive processes. This can lead to the facilitatation and sometimes inhibition of cognitive function, which subsequently may promote some behavior dysfunctions. To improve our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of tDCS on cognitive functions modulated by DPFLC, further investigations are needed.