When we discuss cognitive enhancement,
we almost always focus on drugs. What can we develop to make our
thinking more efficient, to make us learn faster and do more? Drugs
that we classify as cognitive enhancers—Ritalin, adderall,
modafinil, and even caffeine—however, are only one method of
enhancing our thinking. Recent research into non-invasive brain
stimulation techniques have shown promise in enhancing cognition.
TDCS, or Transcranial direct current stimulation, has shown
particular promise because of its efficacy and relative simplicity.
In TDCS, weak electrical currents (on
the scale of 1-2 mA) are applied to the head through electrodes on
the scalp. The currents pass through the skull and alters neural
activity. The treatment has been used successfully in treating
various condition such as depression, but the main interest of
research into its effects lies in how it effects learning. Research
into the treatment in both humans and animals have shown effects of
the treatment, many of which improve the performance of mechanisms
associated with learning, can last up to 12 months. Other TDCS
studies have shown lasting improvements in fundamental areas such as
motor skills, vision, problem solving and decision making,
mathematical abilities, language, memory, and attention. These
improvements appear with no obvious side effects. It is this
seemingly free efficacy that makes TDCS so promising. It is well
along the path to satisfying criteria for the holy grail of human
neuroenhancement: painless, safe, cheap, and effective.
Given these qualities, TDCS presents few ethical issues. The ease of
manufacturing and reusing TDCS machines means that unlike enhancement
drugs which ethical problems with access to treatment, TDCS machines
could become widespread and cheaply available enhancement. In
addition, the apparent safety of TDCS separates it from the
addiction potential and numerous side effects of drugs such as
Ritalin. Removing the concerns about safety and fairness leaves TDCS in the same vein as nutrition: another aid for learning
that does not replace hard work and effort.
Even with this in mind, TDCS should
not be used until more research to confirm its safety is carried out.
This is a particular concern in the child brain. We understand many
of the effects of the treatment in adults, but not much research has
been carried out in children. We do not know how it affects the
developing brain. Until we know more, ethical issues remain for
scenarios such as parents using such treatments on their children
without understanding the long term effects. Because of its
efficacy, relative cheapness, and known safety in the developed
brain, however, TDCS does not present any clear ethical issues when
used in adults.
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