The Integrated Effect of Computer-Aided Cognitive Rehabilitation and tDCS on the Prefrontal Cortex on Executive Functions and Working Memory in Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents

The present study was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design with a control group aimed to investigate the effect of computerized cognitive rehabilitation while stimulating anodic prefrontal cortex on executive and working memory functions in adolescents with diabetes type 1.

20 adolescents aged 15-18 years with diabetes were selected from the Diabetes Association of Bonab city and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups(n = 10). The executive functions and working memory of both experimental and control groups were assessed in the pre-test and post-test stages through the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test software, and memory and attention improvement software. For intervention, the experimental group received cognitive rehabilitation for working memory in 10 half-hour sessions(one day in between), simultaneously stimulating Fp1 and Fp2 with memory and attention improvement software.

The results of data analysis using covariance analysis showed improvement in cognitive flexibility and working memory and a decrease in overall perseveration in the experimental group.

According to the results of this study, cognitive working memory rehabilitation can be used simultaneously with anodic stimulation of the prefrontal cortex as an effective method for improving executive functions and working memory in type 1 diabetic patients.