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

STS Instructor Authored by Andre Keizer

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Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Effect of beta and gamma neurofeedback on memory and intelligence in the elderly.

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Study at a glance

Area
Ageing, Memory & Cognition
Study type
Randomized controlled trial
Authors
Staufenbiel SM, Brouwer AM, Keizer AW, van Wouwe NC
Journal
Biological Psychology
Year
2013
Participants
20 (gamma or beta neurofeedback)
Population
Older adults
Protocol
gamma vs beta amplitude enhancement neurofeedback
Sessions
8 × 30 min over 21 days

Key findings

  • Both gamma and beta training increased the targeted activity within each session
  • No improvement on IQ or memory tests after training
  • No transfer of the trained change to resting measurements
  • The authors discuss ways to improve protocols for older adults

DOI 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.05.020 → PubMed 23751914 →

A small double-blind randomized study tested whether beta and gamma neurofeedback protocols, previously linked to better memory and cognitive control in young adults, would also help older people. Twenty older adults completed eight 30-minute sessions of either gamma or beta training over three weeks, with IQ, memory and well-being measured before and after. Both groups raised the trained brain activity within sessions, showing the ageing brain can still learn to change its EEG, but there was no gain in cognitive scores and no carry-over beyond the training sessions.