Dettagli: Scritto da Dr. Alessio Penzo - Dr. Loredana Scalini; Ultima modifica: 23 Febbraio 2025; Visite: 19

Il Potenziamento Cognitivo

Per potenziamento cognitivo intendiamo il rafforzamento delle abilità cognitive come la memoria, la creatività e il ragionamento, l'attenzione e il controllo delle emozioni. Il potenziamento di tali abilità cognitive può essere ottenuto grazie all'uso del Neurofeedback, un metodo d'intervento scientifico basato su una ricerca scientifica e su un'esperienza clinica che si svolge incessantemente da oltre 40 anni.

Grazie all'uso di protocolli di neurofeedback altamente personalizzati e all'uso delle tecnologie più avanzate oggi disponibili, è oggi possibile ottenere i seguenti tipi di potenziamento cognitivo:

Potenziamento della memoria (a breve e lungo termine e memoria di lavoro)
Potenziamento dell'attenzione (concentrazione)
Potenziamento delle abilità creative (creatività aperta e chiusa)
Potenziamento del controllo emozionale*
Potenziamento cognitivo generale**
Peak Performance***

*Il potenziamento del controllo delle emozioni si rende necessario in tutte quelle attività ad elevato impatto emotivo in cui è richiesta un'elevata concentrazione; si tratta di un insieme di tecniche di neurofeedback e biofeedback finalizzate ad allenare il sistema neurocognitivo a controllare le emozioni che, se troppo intense o incontrollate, possono compromettere le prestazioni. E' il caso dell'ansia e della rabbia e, più in generale, dell'impulsività, ossia della tendenza a reagire in modo poco controllato, specie se si è sotto pressione (stress).

**Per potenziamento cognitivo generale intendiamo l'applicazione di diversi protocolli di neurofeedback e biofeedback per il potenziamento delle singole abilità cognitive su elencate e il potenziamento del controllo emozionale.

**Per Peak Performance intendiamo lo svolgimento di attività ad alta intensità che richiedono un forte impegno psicofisiologico: può trattarsi ad esempio di attività sportive agonistiche, prove, esami o comunque attività che richiedono un elevato impegno mentale, fisco ed emozionale.

Chi può beneficiarne?

Il neurofeedback per il potenziamento neurocognitivo può essere utilizzato in tutti i casi in cui l'individuo necessiti di migliorare le proprie abilità cognitive di base (quelle su elencate); è pertanto indicato per migliorare le proprie prestazioni cognitive in tutti gli ambiti in cui tale potenziamento può fornire un vantaggio competitivo o colmare una carenza prestazionale.

Nel caso delle carenze, il neurofeedback viene ad esempio utilizzato con successo e da molto tempo nel trattamento dei disturbi dell'attenzione (ADD e ADHD) nei bambini, adolescenti e adulti; ma il neurofeedback viene usato con successo anche nei casi di carenze cognitive temporanee (ad esempio legate a stress, traumi, malattie o altre condizioni psicologiche) che non rientrano nella diagnosi di disturbi veri e propri, ma che comunque creano disagio, svantaggio competitivo o danno sul piano del rendimento scolastico, lavorativo e sportivo.

Il termine "neurocognitivo" è qui utilizzato nell'accezione della psicologia neurocognitiva, la branca della psicologia che si occupa dello studio scientifico della psiche in relazione al substrato neuronale da cui emerge; secondo tale modello, il potenziamento di un'abilità cognitiva riflette modifiche funzionali e strutturali (plasticità neuronale) del substrato neuronale da cui tale abilità dipende.

Il neurofeedback è una tecnica basata sull'uso dell'EEG che consente di potenziare le abilità cognitive di base (attenzione, memoria, ragionamento) sia nei casi in cui tali abilità siano richieste in maggior misura rispetto alla norma, sia nei casi di carenza dovuta a fattori di varia natura.

Ambiti di applicazione

Il neurofeedback per il potenziamento delle abilità cognitive viene tipicamente utilizzato con successo nei seguenti ambiti:

ambito scolastico, universitario e formazione professionale (attenzione, memoria, ragionamento, controllo emozionale)
ambito sportivo (concentrazione, controllo emozionale)
ambito militare (concentrazione, memoria, controllo emozionale)
ambito politico (concentrazione, memoria controllo emozionale)
ambito scientifico (creatività, ragionamento, memoria, concentrazione)
ambito artistico (creatività)
altri ambiti professionali di responsabilità (medicina, giurisprudenza, ingegneria, ecc.)

Come e perché funziona?

In parole semplici, ad ogni tipo di attività cognitiva (attenzione, memorizzazione, creatività, ragionamento, stati emotivi, ecc.) corrisponde una certa configurazione EEG (elettroencefalografica), ossia una configurazione delle onde elettriche prodotte dal nostro cervello mentre attua quella specifica abilità cognitiva.

Col training di Neurofeedback si potenziano le configurazioni EEG correlate alle varie abilità cognitive; la ricerca scientifica ha dimostrato che il potenziamento delle configurazioni EEG correlate alle varie abilità cognitive studiate, determina il potenziamento di tali abilità.

L'effetto di potenziamento è stato dimostrato sia attraverso l'uso di test cognitivi che in condizioni ecologiche, ossia attraverso prove pre-post training in cui le abilità degli individui sono testate in situazioni di vita reale (ad esempio le prestazioni scolastiche).

Come si svolge una seduta di Neurofeedback?

Il potenziamento delle singole abilità cognitive col neurofeedback consiste in un numero limitato di sedute (10-20 sedute a seconda del protocollo utilizzato).

Dopo una prima seduta di valutazione, in cui si fanno anche le misurazioni EEG (elettroencefalografiche) per stabilire il protocollo più adeguato rispetto agli obiettivi del trattamento, si svolgono le sedute di training cognitivo vere e proprie: durante una tipica seduta di training di neurofeedback per il potenziamento di una o più abilità cognitive, il cliente sta seduto su una sedia di fronte ad un monitor in cui vengono proiettate diverse tipologie di input visivi (barre mobili, video, game tradizionali e in realtà virtuale) e uditivi che fungono da segnale di feedback che informa il cliente, in tempo reale, sulle fluttuazioni delle proprie onde cerebrali (rilevate con l'EEG misurato continuativamente durante tutta la seduta) e segue le indicazioni dello psicofisiologo.

Il neurofeedback è un trattamento indolore, non invasivo e non farmacologico.

Contatti

Link utili

Per maggiori informazioni sul Neurofeedback per il potenziamento neurocognitivo delle singole abilità cognitive, cliccare sui link che seguono:

Potenziamento della memoria (a breve e lungo termine e memoria di lavoro)
Potenziamento dell'attenzione (concentrazione)
Potenziamento della creatività e del ragionamento (creatività aperta e chiusa)

Studi scientifici

Numerosi studi condotti negli ultimi decenni hanno dimostrato l'efficacia del neurofeedback e del biofeedback nel potenziamento delle abilità cognitive. Per una rassegna completa e sempre aggiornata degli studi condotti suggeriamo di consultare Pubmed, la piattaforma web usata da tutto il mondo scientifico per la consultazione delle ricerche scientifiche. Segue una lista parziale degli studi condotti sul potenziamento di delle varie abilità cognitive su elencate.

Studi sul potenziamento delle abilità creative

Gruzelier J. A theory of alpha/theta neurofeedback, creative performance enhancement, long distance functional connectivity and psychological integration. Cogn Process. 2009 Feb;10 Suppl 1:S101-9. doi: 10.1007/s10339-008-0248-5. Epub 2008 Dec 11. PMID: 19082646.

Gruzelier JH. EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. II: creativity, the performing arts and ecological validity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014 Jul;44:142-58. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.004. Epub 2013 Nov 15. PMID: 24239853.

Leach, J., Holmes, P., Hirst, L., Gruzelier, J.H., 2013. Immediate effects of alpha/thetaand SMR neurofeedback on music performance. International Journal of Psy-chophysiology, SAN special issue, Psychobiology

Gruzelier JH, Holmes P, Hirst L, Bulpin K, Rahman S, van Run C, Leach J. Replication of elite music performance enhancement following alpha/theta neurofeedback and application to novice performance and improvisation with SMR benefits. Biol Psychol. 2014 Jan;95:96-107. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.11.001. Epub 2013 Nov 11. PMID: 24231602.

Gruzelier JH, Hirst L, Holmes P, Leach J. Immediate effects of Alpha/theta and Sensory-Motor Rhythm feedback on music performance. Int J Psychophysiol. 2014 Jul;93(1):96-104. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2014.03.009. Epub 2014 Mar 26. PMID: 24681246.

Egner T, Gruzelier JH. Ecological validity of neurofeedback: modulation of slow wave EEG enhances musical performance. Neuroreport. 2003 Jul 1;14(9):1221-4. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000081875.45938.d1. PMID: 12824763.

Gruzelier JH, Foks M, Steffert T, Chen MJ, Ros T. Beneficial outcome from EEG-neurofeedback on creative music performance, attention and well-being in school children. Biol Psychol. 2014 Jan;95:86-95. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.04.005. Epub 2013 Apr 25. PMID: 23623825.

Gruzelier JH, Thompson T, Redding E, Brandt R, Steffert T. Application of alpha/theta neurofeedback and heart rate variability training to young contemporary dancers: state anxiety and creativity. Int J Psychophysiol. 2014 Jul;93(1):105-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.05.004. Epub 2013 May 15. PMID: 23684733.

Agnoli S, Zanon M, Mastria S, Avenanti A, Corazza GE. Enhancing creative cognition with a rapid right-parietal neurofeedback procedure. Neuropsychologia. 2018 Sep;118(Pt A):99-106. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.02.015. Epub 2018 Feb 14. PMID: 29454010.

Gruzelier JH. EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. I: a review of cognitive and affective outcome in healthy participants. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014 Jul;44:124-41. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.09.015. Epub 2013 Oct 12. PMID: 24125857.

Gruzelier JH. EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. III: a review of methodological and theoretical considerations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014 Jul;44:159-82. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.03.015. Epub 2014 Mar 29. PMID: 24690579.

Gruzelier J, Inoue A, Smart R, Steed A, Steffert T. Acting performance and flow state enhanced with sensory-motor rhythm neurofeedback comparing ecologically valid immersive VR and training screen scenarios. Neurosci Lett. 2010 Aug 16;480(2):112-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.06.019. Epub 2010 Jun 11. PMID: 20542087.

Raymond J, Sajid I, Parkinson LA, Gruzelier JH. Biofeedback and dance performance: a preliminary investigation. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005 Mar;30(1):64-73. doi: 10.1007/s10484-005-2175-x. PMID: 15889586.

Ros T, Munneke MA, Ruge D, Gruzelier JH, Rothwell JC. Endogenous control of waking brain rhythms induces neuroplasticity in humans. Eur J Neurosci. 2010 Feb;31(4):770-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07100.x. PMID: 20384819.

Angelakis E, Stathopoulou S, Frymiare JL, Green DL, Lubar JF, Kounios J. EEG neurofeedback: a brief overview and an example of peak alpha frequency training for cognitive enhancement in the elderly. Clin Neuropsychol. 2007 Jan;21(1):110-29. doi: 10.1080/13854040600744839. PMID: 17366280.

Singh F, Shu IW, Hsu SH, Link P, Pineda JA, Granholm E. Modulation of frontal gamma oscillations improves working memory in schizophrenia. Neuroimage Clin. 2020;27:102339. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102339. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID: 32712452; PMCID: PMC7390812.

Ghaziri J, Tucholka A, Larue V, Blanchette-Sylvestre M, Reyburn G, Gilbert G, Lévesque J, Beauregard M. Neurofeedback training induces changes in white and gray matter. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2013 Oct;44(4):265-72. doi: 10.1177/1550059413476031. Epub 2013 Mar 26. PMID: 23536382. [...Neurofeedback can lead to microstructural changes in white and gray matter].

Studi sul potenziamento dell'attenzione (concentrazione)

Alhambra, M.A., Fowler, T.P., & Alhambra, A.A. (1995). EEG biofeedback: A new treatment option for ADD/ADHD. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(2), 39-43.

Bakhshayesh,A.R.,Hänsch,S.,Wyschkon,A.,Rezai,M.J.,andEsser,G.(2011). NeurofeedbackinADHD:asingle-blindrandomizedcontrolledtrial. Eur.Child Adolesc.Psychiatry 20, 481–491.

Carolyn Yucha and Christopher Gilbert's, 2004 "Evidence Based Practice in Biofeedback & Neurofeedback" AAPB, Wheat Ridge, CO.

Fuchs, T., Birbaumer, N., Lutzenberger, W., Gruzelier, J.H., & Kaiser, J. (2003). Neurofeedback treatment for attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder in children: A comparison with methyphenidate. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 28(1), 1-12.

Kaiser, D.A., & Othmer, S. (2000). Effect of neurofeedback on variables of attention in a large multi-center trial. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 5-15.

Gevensleben,H.,Holl,B.,Albrecht,B.,Vogel,C.,Schlamp,D.,Kratz,O.,etal. (2009a). IsneurofeedbackanefficacioustreatmentforADHD?Arandomised controlledclinicaltrial. J. ChildPsychol.Psychiatry 50, 780–789.

González-Castro P, Cueli M, Rodríguez C, García T, Álvarez L. (2015).Efficacy of Neurofeedback Versus Pharmacological Support in Subjects with ADHD. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. [Epub ahead of print].

Linden, M., Habib, T, & Radojevic, V. (1996). A controlled study of the effects of EEG biofeedback on cognition and behavior of children with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 21(1), 35-49.

Lubar, J.F., Swartwood, M.O., Swartwood, J.N., & O'Donnell, P.H. (1995). Evaluation of the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for ADHD in a clinical setting as measured by changes in T.O.V.A. scores, behavioral ratings, and WISC-R performance. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 20(1), 83-99.

Lubar, J. F. (1995). Neurofeedback for the management of attention-deficit=hyperactivity disorders. In M. S. Schwartz (Ed.), Biofeedback: A practitioner’s guide (pp. 493–522). New York, NY: Guilford.

Monastra, V.J., Monastra, D.M., & George, S. (2002). The effects of stimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(4), 231-249.

Rossiter, T.R., & La Vaque, T.J. (1995). A comparison of EEG biofeedback and psychostimulants in treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(1), 48-59.

Alhambra, M.A., Fowler, T.P., & Alhambra, A.A. (1995). EEG biofeedback: A new treatment option for ADD/ADHD. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(2), 39-43.

Bink M, van Nieuwenhuizen C, Popma A, Bongers IL, van Boxtel GJ. (2014). Neurocognitive effects of neurofeedback in adolescents with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. ;75(5):535-42.

Chabot, R.A. & Serfontein, G. (1996). Quantitative electroencephalographic profiles of children with attention deficit disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 40, 951-963.

Chabot, R.A., Merkin, H., Wood, L.M., Davenport, T.L., & Serfontein, G. (1996). Sensitivity and specificity of QEEG in children with attention deficit or specific developmental learning disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography, 27, 26-34.

Chabot, R.A., Orgill, A.A., Crawford, G., Harris, M.J., & Serfontein, G. (1999). Behavioral and electrophysiologic predictors of treatment response to stimulants in children with attention disorders, Journal of Child Neurology, 14 (6), 343-351.

Chambless, D.L. & Hollon, S.D. (1998). Defining empirically supported therapies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66 (1), 7-18.

Clarke, A.R., Barry, R.J., McCarthy, R., & Selikowitz, M. (1998). EEG analysis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A comparative study of two subtypes. Psychiatry Research, 81, 19-29.

Clarke, A.R., Barry, R.J., McCarthy, R., & Selikowitz, M. (2001a). Electroencephalo-gram differences in two subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychophysiology, 38, 212-221.

Clarke, A.R., Barry, R.J., McCarthy, R., & Selikowitz, M. (2001b). Excess beta activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: An atypical electro-physiological group. Psychiatry Research, 103, 205-218.

Clarke, A.R., Barry, R.J., McCarthy, R., & Selikowitz, M. (2002). EEG differences between good and poor responders to methylphenidate and dexamphetamine in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clinical Neurophysiology, 113, 194-205.

Dagenais E, Leroux-Boudreault A, El-Baalbaki G¹, Bégin J. (2014). Doubting the efficacy/effectiveness of electroencephalographic neurofeedback in treating children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is as yet unjustified. J Clin Psychiatry.75(7):778-9.

Escolano C, Navarro-Gil M, Garcia-Campayo J, Congedo M, Minguez J. (2014). The effects of individual upper alpha neurofeedback in ADHD: an open-label pilot study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 39(3-4):193-202.

Fuchs, T., Birbaumer, N., Lutzenberger, W., Gruzelier, J.H., & Kaiser, J. (2003).Neurofeedback treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: A comparison with methylphenidate. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 28 (1), 1-12.

Gadow, K.D. & Sprafkin, J. (1997). Child symptom inventory 4: Norms manual. StonyBrook, NY: Checkmate Plus.

Heywood C, Beale I. J Atten Disord. 2003 Sep;7(1):43-55. EEG biofeedback vs. placebo treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study.

Heywood, C. & Beale, I. (2003). EEG biofeedback vs placebo treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A pilot study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 7 (1), 41-53.

Holtmann M, Pniewski B, Wachtlin D, Wörz S, Strehl U. (2014). Neurofeedback in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-a controlled multicenter study of a non-pharmacological treatment approach. BMC Pediatr.;14:202

Hurt E, Arnold LE, Lofthouse N. (2014). Quantitative EEG neurofeedback for the treatment of pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, and epilepsy. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.;23(3):465-86.

Kaiser, D.A. & Othmer, S. (2000). Effect of neurofeedback on variables of attention in a large multi-center trial. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4 (1), 5-28.

Kaiser, D.A., & Othmer, S. (2000). Effect of neurofeedback on variables of attention in a large multi-center trial. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 5-15.

LaVaque, T.J. & Rossiter, T. (2001). The ethical use of placebo controls in clinical research: The Declaration of Helsinki. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 26 (1), 23-37.

LaVaque, T.J., Hammond, D.C., Trudeau, D., Monastra, V.J., Perry, J., & Lehrer, P. (2002). Template for developing guidelines for the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of psychophysiological interventions. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27 (4), 273-281.

Linden, M., Habib, T., & Radojevic, V. (1996). A controlled study of the effects of EEG biofeedback on cognition and behavior of children with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 21 (1), 35-49.

Lubar, J.F. & Shouse, M.N. (1976). EEG and behavioral changes in a hyperkinetic childconcurrent with training of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR): A preliminary report.Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 1, 293-306.

Lubar, J.F. (2003) Neurofeedback for the management of attention deficit disorders. In M.S. Schwartz & F. Andrasik “ Biofeedback: A practitioner’s guide”. New York: Guilford Press.

Lubar, J.F., Swartwood, M.O., Swartwood, J.N., & Timmermann, D.L. (1995). Quantitative EEG and auditory event-related potentials in the evaluation of attention-deficit disorder: Effects of methylphenidate and implications for neurofeedback training. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment Monographs, (Special ADHD Issue). 143-160.

Lubar, J.O. & Lubar, J.F. (1984). Electroencephalographic biofeedback of SMR and beta for treatment of attention deficit disorders in a clinical setting. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 9, 1-23.

Mann, C., Lubar, J., Zimmerman, A., Miller, C., & Nuenchen, R. (1992). Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Controlled study with clinical implications. Pediatric Neurology, 8, 30-36.

Monastra, V.J. (2003). Clinical applications of electroencephalographic biofeedback. In M.S. Schwartz & F. Andrasik (Eds.), Biofeedback: A practitioner’s guide (3rd ed., pp. 438-463). New York: Guilford Press.

Monastra, V.J., Lubar, J.F., & Linden, M. (2001). The development of a quantitative electroencephalographic scanning process for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Reliability and validity studies. Neuropsychology, 15, 136-144.

Monastra, V.J., Lubar, J.F., Linden, M., VanDeusen, P., Green, G., Wing, W., Phillips, A. & Fenger, T.N. (1999). Assessing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder via quantitative electroencephalography: An initial validation study. Neuropsychology, 13 (3), 424-433.

Nuwer, M. (1997). Assessment of digital EEG, quantitative EEG, and EEG brain mapping: Report of the American Academy of Neurology and the American clinical Neurophysiology Society, Neurology, 49, 277-292.

Rossiter, T.R. & LaVaque, T.J. (1995). A comparison of EEG biofeedback and psycho-stimulants in treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, 48-59.

Rossiter, T.R., & La Vaque, T.J. (1995). A comparison of EEG biofeedback and psychostimulants in treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(1), 48-59.

Roth, S.R., Sterman, M.B., & Clemente, C.C. (1967). Comparison of EEG correlates of reinforcement, internal inhibition, and sleep. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 23, 509-520.

Simkin DR, Thatcher RW, Lubar J. (2014). Quantitative EEG and neurofeedback in children and adolescents: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, comorbid addiction and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and brain injury. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.;23(3):427-64.

Sterman, M.B. (1996). Physiological origins and functional correlates of EEG rhythmic activities: Implications for self-regulation. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 21 (1), 3-49.

Tansey, M. (1993). Ten-year stability of EEG biofeedback results for a hyperactive boy who failed the fourth grade perceptually impaired class. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 18 (1), 33-38.

Thompson, L. & Thompson, M. (1998). Neurofeedback combined with training in metacognitive strategies: Effectiveness in students with ADD. Applied Psycho-physiology and Biofeedback, 23 (4), 243-263.

Wywricka, W. & Sterman, M.B. (1968). Instrumental conditioning of sensorimotor cortex EEG spindles in the waking cat. Physiology and Behavior, 3, 703-707.

Studi sul potenziamento della memoria

Jackson LE, Han YJ, Evans LH. The efficacy of electroencephalography neurofeedback for enhancing episodic memory in healthy and clinical Dobrakowski P, Łebecka G. Individualized Neurofeedback Training May Help Achieve Long-Term Improvement of Working Memory in Children With ADHD. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020 Mar;51(2):94-101. doi: 10.1177/1550059419879020. Epub 2019 Oct 3.

Lin YR, Hsu TW, Hsu CW, Chen PY, Tseng PT, Liang CS. Effectiveness of Electroencephalography Neurofeedback for Improving Working Memory and Episodic Memory in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Feb 22;60(3):369. doi: 10.3390/medicina60030369. PMID: 38541096; PMCID: PMC10972127.

Koizumi K, Kunii N, Ueda K, Nagata K, Fujitani S, Shimada S, Nakao M. Paving the Way for Memory Enhancement: Development and Examination of a Neurofeedback System Targeting the Medial Temporal Lobe. Biomedicines. 2023 Aug 13;11(8):2262. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11082262. PMID: 37626758; PMCID: PMC10452721.

Jiang Y, Jessee W, Hoyng S, Borhani S, Liu Z, Zhao X, Price LK, High W, Suhl J, Cerel-Suhl S. Sharpening Working Memory With Real-Time Electrophysiological Brain Signals: Which Neurofeedback Paradigms Work? Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Mar 28;14:780817. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.780817. PMID: 35418848; PMCID: PMC8995767.

Rozengurt R, Kuznietsov I, Kachynska T, Kozachuk N, Abramchuk O, Zhuravlov O, Mendelsohn A, Levy DA. Theta EEG neurofeedback promotes early consolidation of real life-like episodic memory. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2023 Dec;23(6):1473-1481. doi: 10.3758/s13415-023-01125-0. Epub 2023 Sep 26. PMID: 37752389.

Eschmann KCJ, Bader R, Mecklinger A. Improving episodic memory: Frontal-midline theta neurofeedback training increases source memory performance. Neuroimage. 2020 Nov 15;222:117219. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117219. Epub 2020 Aug 1. PMID: 32750499.

Nazer M, Mirzaei H, Mokhtaree M. Effectiveness of neurofeedback training on verbal memory, visual memory and self-efficacy in students. Electron Physician. 2018 Sep 9;10(9):7259-7265. doi: 10.19082/7259. PMID: 30258558; PMCID: PMC6140992. NFB is effective in improving verbal memory and some dimensions of visual memory (at 1 year).

Vilou I, Varka A, Parisis D, Afrantou T, Ioannidis P. EEG-Neurofeedback as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury. Life (Basel). 2023 Jan 29;13(2):365. doi: 10.3390/life13020365. PMID: 36836721; PMCID: PMC9966294.

Tseng YH, Tamura K, Okamoto T. Neurofeedback training improves episodic and semantic long-term memory performance. Sci Rep. 2021 Aug 26;11(1):17274. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-96726-5. PMID: 34446791; PMCID: PMC8390655.

Reis J, Portugal AM, Fernandes L, Afonso N, Pereira M, Sousa N, Dias NS. An Alpha and Theta Intensive and Short Neurofeedback Protocol for Healthy Aging Working-Memory Training. Front Aging Neurosci. 2016 Jul 7;8:157. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00157. PMID: 27458369; PMCID: PMC4936375.

Shtoots L, Dagan T, Levine J, Rothstein A, Shati L, Levy DA. The Effects of Theta EEG Neurofeedback on the Consolidation of Spatial Memory. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2021 Sep;52(5):338-344. doi: 10.1177/1550059420973107. Epub 2020 Nov 18. PMID: 33207955.

Lavy Y, Dwolatzky T, Kaplan Z, Guez J, Todder D. Neurofeedback Improves Memory and Peak Alpha Frequency in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2019 Mar;44(1):41-49. doi: 10.1007/s10484-018-9418-0. PMID: 30284663.

Reiner M, Rozengurt R, Barnea A. Better than sleep: theta neurofeedback training accelerates memory consolidation. Biol Psychol. 2014 Jan;95:45-53. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.10.010. Epub 2013 Nov 7. PMID: 24211625.

Yeh WH, Ju YJ, Liu YT, Wang TY. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Neurofeedback Training of Theta Activity on Working Memory and Episodic Memory in Healthy Population. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 3;19(17):11037. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191711037. PMID: 36078752; PMCID: PMC9517899.

Fotuhi M, Khorrami ND, Raji CA. Benefits of a 12-Week Non-Drug "Brain Fitness Program" for Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, Post-Concussion Syndrome, or Memory Loss. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2023 Jun 29;7(1):675-697. doi: 10.3233/ADR-220091. PMID: 37483322; PMCID: PMC10357116.

Nawaz R, Wood G, Nisar H, Yap VV. Exploring the Effects of EEG-Based Alpha Neurofeedback on Working Memory Capacity in Healthy Participants. Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Feb 3;10(2):200. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering10020200. PMID: 36829694; PMCID: PMC9952280.

Gillespie AK, Astudillo Maya D, Denovellis EL, Desse S, Frank LM. Neurofeedback training can modulate task-relevant memory replay rate in rats. Elife. 2024 Jul 3;12:RP90944. doi: 10.7554/eLife.90944. PMID: 38958562; PMCID: PMC11221834.

Hsueh JJ, Chen TS, Chen JJ, Shaw FZ. Neurofeedback training of EEG alpha rhythm enhances episodic and working memory. Hum Brain Mapp. 2016 Jul;37(7):2662-75. doi: 10.1002/hbm.23201. Epub 2016 Apr 1. Erratum in: Hum Brain Mapp. 2017 Jun;38(6):3315. doi: 10.1002/hbm.23625. PMID: 27038114; PMCID: PMC6867560.

Tetsuka M, Sakurada T, Matsumoto M, Nakajima T, Morita M, Fujimoto S, Kawai K. Higher prefrontal activity based on short-term neurofeedback training can prevent working memory decline in acute stroke. Front Syst Neurosci. 2023 Jun 14;17:1130272. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1130272. PMID: 37388942; PMCID: PMC10300420.

Rozengurt R, Shtoots L, Sheriff A, Sadka O, Levy DA. Enhancing early consolidation of human episodic memory by theta EEG neurofeedback. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2017 Nov;145:165-171. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.10.005. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PMID: 29030299.

Dobrakowski P, Łebecka G. Individualized Neurofeedback Training May Help Achieve Long-Term Improvement of Working Memory in Children With ADHD. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020 Mar;51(2):94-101. doi: 10.1177/1550059419879020. Epub 2019 Oct 3. PMID: 31578889. This study found a statistically significant improvement in a measure of working memory in children who did 10 to 12 sessions of neurofeedback training with training frequency ranges for theta and beta defined according to each child's PAF. The beneficial effects were still present a year after training.

Zhou W, Nan W, Xiong K, Ku Y. Alpha neurofeedback training improves visual working memory in healthy individuals. NPJ Sci Learn. 2024 Apr 18;9(1):32. doi: 10.1038/s41539-024-00242-w. PMID: 38637595; PMCID: PMC11026515. Both groups received NF training (about 30 min daily) for five consecutive days. The NF group received alpha (8-12 Hz) training, while the sham control group received sham NF training. We found a significant alpha increase within sessions but no significant difference across sessions. However, the behavioral performance and neural activity in the modified Sternberg task did not show significant change after alpha NF training. On the contrary, the alpha NF training group significantly increased visual working memory capacity measured by the Corsi-block tapping task and improved visual working memory precision in the interference condition in a color-recall task. These results suggest that alpha NF training influences performance in working memory tasks involved in the visuospatial sketchpad. Notably, we demonstrated that alpha NF training improves the quantity and quality of visual working memory.

Xiong S, Cheng C, Wu X, Guo X, Yao L, Zhang J. Working memory training using EEG neurofeedback in normal young adults. Biomed Mater Eng. 2014;24(6):3637-44. doi: 10.3233/BME-141191. PMID: 25227078. Our results demonstrated that these normal young adults succeeded in improving their WM performance with EEG NF, and the pre- and post-test evaluations also indicated that WM performance increase in experimental group was significantly greater than control groups. In summary, our findings provided preliminarily evidence that WM performance can be improved through learned regulation of the EEG power ratio using EEG NF.

Kober SE, Schweiger D, Witte M, Reichert JL, Grieshofer P, Neuper C, Wood G. Specific effects of EEG based neurofeedback training on memory functions in post-stroke victims. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2015 Dec 1;12:107. doi: 10.1186/s12984-015-0105-6. PMID: 26625906; PMCID: PMC4666277. About 70 % of both patients and controls achieved distinct gains in NF performance leading to improvements in verbal short- and long-term memory, independent of the used NF protocol. The SMR patient group showed specific improvements in visuo-spatial short-term memory performance, whereas the Upper Alpha patient group specifically improved their working memory performance. NF training effects were even stronger than effects of traditional cognitive training methods in stroke patients. Post-stroke victims with memory deficits could benefit from NF training as much as healthy controls. The used NF training protocols (SMR, Upper Alpha) had specific as well as unspecific effects on memory. Hence, NF might offer an effective cognitive rehabilitation tool improving memory deficits of stroke survivors.

Lavy Y, Dwolatzky T, Kaplan Z, Guez J, Todder D. Mild Cognitive Impairment and Neurofeedback: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Jun 14;13:657646. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.657646. PMID: 34194315; PMCID: PMC8236892. Results: We witnessed a significant improvement in memory performance in subjects in the experimental group compared to those in the sham group. This improvement was maintained for at least 1 month. Conclusions: Neurofeedback may be a promising and affordable novel approach for treating the decline in memory witnessed in patients with MCI.

Tazaki M. A review: effects of neurofeedback on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Front Hum Neurosci. 2024 Feb 14;17:1331436. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1331436. PMID: 38420112; PMCID: PMC10899454. 13 articles were identified regarding the effectiveness of NFT in patients with MCI and AD. Although each study differed in study design, training protocol, electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode placement, and reward and inhibition frequency bands, all were shown to enhance memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities.

Escolano C, Aguilar M, Minguez J. EEG-based upper alpha neurofeedback training improves working memory performance. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2011;2011:2327-30. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090651. PMID: 22254807.

Nan W, Rodrigues JP, Ma J, Qu X, Wan F, Mak PI, Mak PU, Vai MI, Rosa A. Individual alpha neurofeedback training effect on short term memory. Int J Psychophysiol. 2012 Oct;86(1):83-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.07.182. Epub 2012 Aug 1. PMID: 22864258. Short term memory performance was significantly enhanced by 20 sessions of NFT. More importantly, further analysis revealed that the improvement of short term memory was positively correlated with the increase of the relative amplitude in the individual upper alpha band during training.

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