Objective: This study assesses the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and explores its relevance for resource-limited healthcare systems in Africa.

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Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming a major health concern in Africa, with rising prevalence and limited access to advanced therapies. Cognitive impairment, a significant yet often neglected aspect of PD, severely affects quality of life. tDCS, a low-cost, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has shown promise globally in enhancing cognitive function but remains underutilized in African healthcare systems.

Method:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, including studies published up to January 30, 2025. Databases searched include PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, DOAJ, and AJOL. Studies evaluating tDCS effects on cognitive outcomes in PD patients were included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were synthesized using a random-effects model. Results are reported as standardized mean differences (SMD), 95% confidence intervals (CI), heterogeneity (I²), and P-values.

Results:

A total of 27 studies with 1,026 participants were included. tDCS significantly improved cognitive function (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.61–0.95, I² = 5%, P < 0.00001). Improvements were noted in executive function (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI = -0.58 to -0.14, I² = 3%, P = 0.002) and language abilities (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.82, I² = 6%, P = 0.0002). Stronger effects were associated with 2 mA intensity, session duration ≥25 minutes, and ≥10 sessions. tDCS also reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI = -0.82 to -0.16, I² = 0%, P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

tDCS shows potential in improving cognitive and emotional outcomes in PD patients and could be a feasible, affordable treatment for low-resource African healthcare systems. Its scalability, simplicity, portability, and low cost suggest it could help bridge the neurological treatment gap in Africa, necessitating context-specific clinical trials and capacity-building initiatives to optimize tDCS implementation.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/transcranial-direct-current-stimulation-tdcs-to-enhance-cognitive-function-in-parkinsons-disease-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-with-implications-for-african-healthcare/