Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation enhances episodic memory across valences and memory stages
Mary A, Nematollahi H, Torres D, Chernyshkova Y, Vonck K, Carrette E
Brain Stimulation · 2026
Key finding
taVNS significantly enhanced memory recall compared to sham stimulation (χ2 (1) = 22.1, p < 0.001), regardless of whether it was administered during encoding, consolidation, or retrieval (χ2 (2) = 0.98, p = 0.6).
- Condition
- Cognitive Function
- Stimulation
- taVNS
- Evidence tier
- Controlled Clinical Trial
- Participants
- —
Cite this study
Mary, A., Nematollahi, H., Torres, D., Chernyshkova, Y., Vonck, K., & Carrette, E. (2026). Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation enhances episodic memory across valences and memory stages. Brain Stimulation, 19(2), 103051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2026.103051
Related studies in Cognitive Function
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation may improve cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric diseases: a systematic review
Jost et al. · Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience · 2026 · Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Attention and Working Memory in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Aniwattanapong et al. · Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society · 2022 · Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
The Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Cognition in Healthy Individuals: A Meta-Analysis
Ridgewell et al. · Neuropsychology · 2021 · Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
Transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) does not enhance learning and memory performance in a visual detection task
Ravestein et al. · Scientific Reports · 2025 · Randomised Controlled Trial
Summary by Vagus Research. Always consult the primary source for the authoritative record.