The Effects of Neurofeedback on Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Neurofeedback interventions have been used for over a decade to improve cognitive functions in older adults.
• Previous reviews have often included studies on young adults or non-cognitive functions, necessitating a focused review on elderly cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the efficacy of neurofeedback interventions specifically for improving cognitive functions in older adults, encompassing both healthy and clinically affected individuals.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all neurofeedback studies involving older adults targeting any cognitive domain.
• Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, regardless of publication date or specific methodology.

Main Results:

• Neurofeedback demonstrated positive effects on memory in both healthy and unhealthy older adults, especially when training theta and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) frequencies.
• Other cognitive domains also showed benefits, but neurofeedback interventions did not yield significant improvements in attention processes.
• Despite methodological variations, most studies reported positive impacts on at least one cognitive domain.

Conclusions:

• Neurofeedback is a potentially beneficial intervention for improving specific cognitive functions, notably memory, in the elderly population.
• Future research should prioritize placebo-controlled, double-blind designs with follow-up assessments to rigorously evaluate neurofeedback efficacy and refine intervention protocols.