COGNITIVE HEALTHSPAN
How Neurofeedback Extends Cognitive Healthspan
Dr Mark Atkinson
Neurofeedback is a highly effective way to train your brain and take control of your state. It is the number one tech I recommend to clients who want to enhance their cognitive health.
Here is how it works. A headset with cushioned high-fidelity sensors picks up the brainwave frequency patterns of your brain and in real-time presents them back to you as sounds and images (on an app). When the desired brainwave patterns (based on the outcome you want) are present the system rewards you with a satisfying change in sound and visual imagery. By doing so, and when repeated overtime, you can positively reshape both the function and structure of your brain.
We, the team at Sens.ai, hypothesize that regularly use of Sens.ai, and especially the neurofeedback component, supports cognitive healthspan in the following ways:
Reduces Decline in Fluid Intelligence
Studies have found that neurofeedback training, especially SMR (low beta) and alpha training enhance cognitive intelligence, which includes aspects like attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. Studies have found the changes in brain circuitry can positively enhance speed of thinking, memory, reaction time and your ability to focus and pay attention. These effects can last hours to months after training.
-Marzbani H, Marateb HR, Mansourian M. Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review on System Design, Methodology and Clinical Applications. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2016 Apr;7(2):143-58. doi: 10.15412/J.BCN.03070208. PMID: 27303609; PMCID: PMC4892319.
-Sitaram, R., Ros, T., Stoeckel, L. et al. Closed-loop brain training: the science of neurofeedback. Nat Rev Neurosci 18, 86–100 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2016.164
Extends Cognitive Longevity
Many people as they age experience a decline in cognitive functions such as memory, speed of thinking and problem solving abilities. Peak Alpha Frequency (PAF), the frequency within the alpha band where the maximum power of the alpha rhythm occurs, is a valuable biomarker for cognitive health and performance. Neurofeedback training can help maintain a high PAF and may extend cognitive longevity - the period of life in which cognitive functions are operating well.
-Zoefel B, Huster RJ, Herrmann CS. Neurofeedback training of the upper alpha frequency band in EEG improves cognitive performance. Neuroimage. 2011 Jan 15;54(2):1427-31. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.08.078. Epub 2010 Sep 17. PMID: 20850552.
-Rathee S, Bhatia D, Punia V, Singh R. Peak Alpha Frequency in Relation to Cognitive Performance. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2020 Jul;11(3):416-419. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1712585. Epub 2020 Jun 12. PMID: 32753806; PMCID: PMC7394609.
Enhances Performance
SMR neurofeedback training, a specific type of brain training targeting the 12-15 Hz frequency range, can help improve sports performance. Specifically, it can help train for, and access on-demand the ability to be physically still, but mentally alert, focused and non-distracted. Studies on golfers, college athletes, swimmers and dancers, have found NFT can support cognitive function and sport performance.
-Cheng MY, Huang CJ, Chang YK, Koester D, Schack T, Hung TM. Sensorimotor Rhythm Neurofeedback Enhances Golf Putting Performance. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2015 Dec;37(6):626-36. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2015-0166. PMID: 26866770.
-Gong A, Gu F, Nan W, Qu Y, Jiang C, Fu Y. A Review of Neurofeedback Training for Improving Sport Performance From the Perspective of User Experience. Front Neurosci. 2021 May 28;15:638369. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.638369. PMID: 34127921; PMCID: PMC8195869.
Improves Sleep
Consistent high quality of sleep and quantity of sleep is essential for maintaining cognitive intelligence and healthspan. Yet insufficient sleep is the reality for many people. An abundance of evidence points to a major cause of insomnia being a central nervous system that is hyper-aroused and a brain that has become dysregulated. Neurofeedback training has been found in numerous studies to help the brain become more regulated and to help improve sleep duration and quality. A pilot study with Sens.ai users and reported in this white paper found that 77% of participants using the Sens.ai Sleep Nirvana Mission Protocol reported enhanced sleep quality.
Moore PT. Infra-low frequency neurofeedback and insomnia as a model of CNS dysregulation. Front Hum Neurosci. 2022 Sep 21;16:959491. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.959491. PMID: 36211128; PMCID: PMC9534730.
Lambert-Beaudet F, Journault WG, Rudziavic Provençal A, Bastien CH. Neurofeedback for insomnia: Current state of research. World J Psychiatry. 2021 Oct 19;11(10):897-914. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i10.897. PMID: 34733650; PMCID: PMC8546766.
DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Mark Atkinson or sens.ai the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.