SUMMER COURSES

In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have become widely used systems in both clinical and research settings. Their fundamental objective is to enhance (and better understand) brain function. Essentially, these techniques are based on the idea of modulating brain activity by delivering magnetic fields or electrical currents that can locally or remotely influence functional brain networks. In the specific case of transcranial electrical stimulation techniques (e.g., tDCS, tACS, tRNS), since they do not induce massive synchronized discharges of action potentials as TMS does, their value lies in their ability to alter the probability of neuronal firing. Specifically, tACS involves delivering an alternating current at a specific frequency, which can modulate the power and/or phase of endogenous brain oscillations. This can enhance oscillatory synchrony and improve cognitive performance by optimizing rhythmic neuronal activity. In this course, we will review the different neuromodulation techniques (TMS and tES) and discuss their benefits in brain pathology as well as their potential for enhancing cognitive functions in healthy individuals. The speakers are experts in the field and will present the latest advances in both neuropsychiatric intervention and cognitive skill enhancement.