The bidirectional effect of attention on gamma sensory stimulation: 40 Hz entrainment is weakened by externally-induced distraction but enhanced by internally-induced distraction

Abstract

Background

Forty-hertz gamma sensory entrainment has been shown to influence neural oscillations, reduce amyloid-β plaques and tau phosphorylation, and improve cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's disease. However, the role of the user's attentional states in modulating this entrainment effect remains poorly understood.

Objective

Here we manipulated users’ attentional state to investigate the effect of focused vs. distracted attention on 40 Hz entrainment.

Methods

During 40 Hz auditory stimulation, participants’ attentional states were manipulated to 3 attentional conditions: (1) attentive (i.e., attention directed towards 40 Hz clicking sound), (2) internally distracted (attention directed towards memory/thought), and (3) externally distracted (i.e., attention directed towards a podcast interview that is overlaid with 40 Hz auditory stimulation).

Results

We observed strong 40 Hz oscillation in the attentive condition, and even stronger oscillation in the internal distraction condition, but minimal activation in the external distraction condition. These patterns are possibly driven by internally-generated stochastic resonance in the internal distraction condition, and sensory competition in the external distraction condition.

Conclusions

In real-world applications, researchers should exercise caution when introducing features aimed at minimizing user boredom and discomfort, as these may create sensory competition and reduce entrainment. Instead, features that guide users’ internal attention may offer a promising direction for future research and implementation. Large-scale studies that employ larger sample size and more diverse participant pool are warranted to verify the findings reported here for better market implementations of the 40 Hz sensory entrainment.