Neurofeedback has been explored as a potential intervention for cognitive decline and dementia, aiming to enhance cognitive functioning and mitigate the progression of cognitive impairments.
- A study by Surmeli and Ertem (2010) examined the effects of neurofeedback training in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often considered a precursor to dementia. The study found that neurofeedback led to improvements in cognitive performance and memory in MCI patients. The authors suggested that neurofeedback may have potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive decline. (Surmeli & Ertem, 2010)
- Another study by Hoedlmoser et al. (2019) investigated the effects of neurofeedback in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings demonstrated improvements in cognitive functioning, particularly in attention and executive functions, following neurofeedback training. The authors concluded that neurofeedback holds promise as a supportive treatment for cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. (Hoedlmoser et al., 2019)
- A systematic review by Bieleninik et al. (2017) assessed the efficacy of neurofeedback in individuals with cognitive decline, including dementia. The review included eight studies and found that neurofeedback interventions showed positive effects on cognitive outcomes, including attention, memory, and executive functions. (Bieleninik et al., 2017)
References:
Surmeli, T., & Ertem, A. (2010). EEG neurofeedback treatment of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Neuroscience Letters, 479(3), 202-205.
Hoedlmoser, K., Pecherstorfer, T., Gruber, G., Anderer, P., Doppelmayr, M., Klimesch, W., & Schabus, M. (2019). Instrumental (sensorimotor) neurofeedback training of theta and upper alpha frequencies improves sustained attention, memory functioning, and mental health in preclinical and clinical students. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 472.
Bieleninik, Ł., Geretsegger, M., Mössler, K., Assmus, J., Thompson, G., Gattino, G., Elefant, C., & Gold, C. (2017). Effects of neurofeedback versus active (non-specific) placebo intervention on ADHD symptoms in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD012509.
