Restoring Our Brain Function by Training Our Brain Waves

 

Research done in Canada is showing that the training of a specific type of brainwave may be used to restore the brain function in individuals with mental disorders. The technique allows the training of the brain’s alpha rhythm cause the brain network that is responsible for cognitive control to be enhanced. Another study has also found that within a 30-minute session of neural-based training, noninvasive, there are function changes that occur within a key brain network area. Previous studies that have been done have led experts to believe that the dysfunction of this network can be implicated in some disorders such as ADHD, Schizophrenia, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. During this neurofeedback, training of the brain waves, the individuals are able to learn to control their own brain activity with the help of this brain-computer interface. In some cases the computer will record brainwaves through an EEG and then the system can process and represent the individuals’ real-time brain activity. It is then displayed from moment to moment during a training game that is on the computer. This is known as a neurofeedback loop because the information is always fed back to the user to allow a reflection of the level of brain control. It allows the individual to reproduce a normal brain state. The reason this type of change is possible is because of neuroplasticity which is the natural property of the brain that allows it to reorganize itself after training. What the studies have shown is that the changes were able to be observed up to 30 minutes after neurofeedback allowing them to compare brain waves and behavioral measures more closely. In other words past activity may be able to condition the future state of processing of the brain. Researchers are hoping this study will lead other experts to believe that EEG neurofeedback can be a viable and revolutionary approach to treating brain disorders.