Brief personalised rhythmic auditory stimulation facilitates cognitive and neural processing in ageing

There is growing interest in non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) as a safe and practical method to support cognitive function during ageing. NIBS using rhythmic sensory stimuli entrains brain oscillations and synchronises functional networks, but the choice of NIBS frequency to enhance performance in cognitive tasks remains unclear. We adopt a network neuroscience approach to NIBS, linking network connectivity, EEG oscillatory frequencies, and behavioural performance, to test the effects of personalised rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on an inhibitory control task (Simon task) in older adults aged 60–75 years. Simon task trials were preceded by ≈1.7–3.2 s of personalised RAS (clicks) at each individual’s theta oscillation frequency (fθ), a slightly faster variant (fθ+), a fixed low-frequency control at 2 Hz (f2Hz), or a non-rhythmic control (NR). Reaction times (RTs) after personalised stimulation were faster than f2Hz and NR, with stronger brain entrainment to rhythmic stimulatio..., , # Brief personalised rhythmic auditory stimulation facilitates cognitive and neural processing in ageing

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.t76hdr8dm](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.t76hdr8dm)

## Description of the data and file structure

The data were collected as part of a study investigating the effects of personalised non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) using rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on cognitive performance in ageing. Forty-four participants aged 60–75 completed an inhibitory control task (Simon task) while EEG activity was recorded. Each participant was exposed to rhythmic auditory stimulation at individualized theta frequencies and control conditions.

Behavioural measures, including reaction time and accuracy, were derived from the Simon task. EEG data were analysed to obtain the amplitude of the N2 component, entrainment, and induced theta power. All measures were computed across the different conditions of rhythmic auditory stimulation, which are abbreviated in the acc..., All participants provided informed consent for the publication of de-identified data. To ensure anonymity, we removed all direct and indirect identifiers, such as names, contact information, and any details that could lead to re-identification., **Changes after Oct 29, 2025:** We updated the database file to specify the units of measurement for each variable. In addition, the README file was revised to provide more details on how the measurements were obtained.