Neurofeedback as a Neurorehabilitation Tool for Memory Deficits - A Phase 0 Clinical Trial

摘要

Although underexplored, the idea of using brain computer interfaces (BCI) for behavioral and cognitive rehabilitation is based on recent evidence suggesting that not only self-regulated brain signals, but also involuntary brain signals may provide useful information about the BCI user. These BCI systems, also called passive BCIs, acquire brain waves from an electroencephalographic (EEG) amplifier and then utilize the biomarkers derived from the brain signal and adapt to the user's performance without the purpose of voluntary control of the system (Zander & Kothe, 2011). The aim is to apply neuro-physiological regulation to foster cortical reorganization and compensatory cerebral activation by targeting brain-wave correlates of functional deficits, thus promoting Central Nervous System (CNS) plasticity (Duffau, 2006). Critically, CNS plasticity has been observed in early-stages of dementia, thus constituting a great challenge for the development of "cognitive BCIs" focused on the rehabilitation of brain functions in neurological patients (Hill et al., 2011). The main goal of this project is to promote CNS plasticity, and therefore cognitive reserve, through neurofeedback training in subjects with Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC) related to attentional deficits. It is a Phase 0 clinical trial.