فاطمه دهقان

Conceptual Metaphor Theory, a modern approach within cognitive linguistics introduced by Lakoff and Johnson in Metaphors We Live By (1980), posits that concepts are constituted not solely by inherent attributes but primarily by interactional characteristics. From this perspective, entities in the world do not possess fixed, intrinsic properties; rather, their meaning emerges only in relation to human action. Consequently, metaphors can assume the status of truth. Within the Qur’an, numerous injunctions and relational concepts can be interpreted through this theoretical framework as being grounded in interactional characteristics rather than in purely essentialist definitions. Adopting a descriptive–analytical method, this study examines several Qur’anic relationships, demonstrating how their meanings can be more adequately apprehended through the lens of Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The findings suggest that even human relationships in the Qur’an are not conceived as immutable or purely intrinsic. Instead, the Qur’an redefines relational concepts—such as mother, spouse, brother, and child—according to their roles, functions, and interactional qualities. Thus, notions such as the motherhood of the Prophet’s wives for the Muslim community and the brotherhood of believers represent, in Qur’anic discourse, new conceptual realities that transcend mere metaphorical usage.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents a transitional phase between normal aging and dementia, primarily affecting memory. It affects nearly one-fifth of adults over 50 worldwide, highlighting its growing clinical importance. Pharmacological treatments have shown limited efficacy, prompting interest in non-invasive interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which modulates cortical excitability through weak electrical currents. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of tDCS on memory performance in older adults with MCI and to identify protocol-specific predictors of improvement. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (up to April 2025) following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized trials examining tDCS alone or combined with cognitive training in adults aged 60 years and older with MCI. Ten studies (N = 428) met inclusion criteria. Due to heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. Overall, tDCS significantly improved verbal and recognition memory, as well as spatial and episodic memory performance. Neurophysiological findings indicated enhanced neural activity and connectivity. Stimulation targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex produced the most consistent benefits, especially when applied for ten or more sessions at an intensity of 2 mA. Mild side effects, such as redness and tingling, occurred in approximately 20–30% of participants, with no serious adverse events reported. Preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of tDCS in improving memory among individuals with MCI. However, variability in protocols and small sample sizes underscore the need for standardized, biomarker-guided, and longitudinal research.