Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a research proven way to help you improve your brain function through intensive brain training exercises. Although the technology is quite sophisticated, the process is simple, painless, and non-invasive. It is just learning. You learn to alter your brain activity the same way you learn every other skill – through feedback and practice. What is new in neurofeedback is that you are guided by a form of feedback that was previously not available to you – instantaneous information about changes in your brain’s electrical activity. Every half second, your brain activity is compared to your targets for change. You get a signal and “reward” when you meet the goal. No signal or reward when you do not.

In 20 neurofeedback sessions, with feedback every half second, you get 72,000 chances to learn. That’s a lot of repetition and practice. Brain science has shown that repetitive exercise of brain networks reshapes the brain. Neurofeedback allows you to reshape our brain. Learn more.

We know what happens  to the EEG in normal aging: overall power is reduced and the brain’s idle speed or sampling rate slows. Research has shown several EEG markers for Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, and other forms of age related cognitive decline. In one study, these markers were seen up to 10 years before any symptoms were evident.

Many studies show that it is possible to change EEG patterns using neurofeedback.  This raises the question: If we know what EEG patterns are associated with cognitive decline and dementia, and if neurofeedback can change EEG patterns, is it possible to use neurofeedback to reduce decline?

Several studies have been completed to date. This research shows improvements in cognitive function in aging adults after training using neurofeedback for cognitive decline. These studies together with experience in neurofeedback suggest that neurofeedback is a promising approach to harness neuroplasticity to improve function in the aging brain for cognitive decline prevention and treatment.

Neuroscience is increasingly showing the basis in the brain for age related cognitive decline.  Quantitative analysis of the the EEG has been quite revealing. Several studies have shown that decline is accompanied by EEG signs of reduced activity and diminished coordination of activity in the cortex, the outermost layer of the brain.

At the NeuroDevelopment Center, when we employ neurofeedback for cognitive decline, we begin by measuring brain function with a quantitative EEG brain map. This allows you to  see the reason for your difficulties. The image below is from the qEEG analysis of one of our clients who had concerns about her attention, executive function  and memory with aging.   The area in red shows diminished activation in frontal and temporal areas. This is consistent with qEEG research on cognitive decline. Once we see the source of the problem, we target that area for change through neurofeedback brain training. This allows you to reshape your brain, not just mask your symptoms. Learn more.