Effect of beta and gamma neurofeedback on memory and intelligence in the elderly

S.M. Staufenbiela,b,∗, A.-M. Brouwerb, A.W. Keizerc, N.C. van Wouwed

a Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
b TNO Behavioral and Societal Sciences, Soesterberg, The Netherlands
c Neurofeedback Instituut Nederland, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
d Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, United States

abstract

Recent research showed a correlation between cognitive decline and a decrease of EEG gamma activity. In the present double-blind randomized control study, we investigated whether gamma and beta neurofeedback protocols, that have been shown to modulate performance on cognitive control and memory in young adults, also leads to increased brain activity and cognitive performance in elderly. Twenty older adults either performed eight 30-min gamma neurofeedback session or beta neurofeedback session within a period of 21 days. Cognitive performance was determined before and after the training through an IQ and memory task and we added a subjective well-being questionnaire. Both neurofeedback training protocols resulted in a significant increase of the brain activity within each training session, suggesting that the aging brain is still trainable. However, we found no effects on cognitive performance or transfer of the feedback beyond the trainings. We discuss several possible reasons for the lack of training on rest measurements and cognition and ways to improve the feedback protocols for future studies. 

Task-related stress and EEG alpha biofeedback

·         Dr. Paul D. Tyson

Abstract

Establishing a contingency between stress and a physiological response is essential in biofeedback. The sensitivity of high alpha to contingent stress was investigated by manipulating conditions known to influence stress, such as the distribution, predictability, and controllability of stressful stimuli, and number of tasks performed. Forty subjects were divided into stress and non-stress groups. Within each group, one-half had the dual-task of anticipating and increasing alpha activity. The other half was initially instructed to only anticipate alpha and, later, had the dual task of anticipating and controlling alpha. No feedback training was included to distribute the task-related stressor and allowed the assessment of self-control. All of the stress manipulations significantly influenced the effects of stress on alpha production. The dual-task subjects produced less alpha and less self-control than did training with control phased in after subjects learned to anticipate alpha. Without stress, phased-in control produced highly significant increases in alpha production and self-control without feedback. The use of an alpha-contingent feedback paradigm and anticipation training was related to the therapeutic applications of alpha feedback to stress and anxiety.