Neurofeedback Improves Cognitive Performance and EEG Activity in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment

SMR/Theta Neurofeedback Training Improves Cognitive Performance and EEG Activity in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

This is a non-pharmacological pilot study showing the improvement of a SMR/theta neurofeedback training program on cognitive performance and EEG activity in Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Neurofeedback training (NF) as self-regulation method of brain activity, may be beneficial in elderly with mild cognitive impairment. In this pilot study, the investigators studied whether a sensorimotor(SMR)/theta NF training could improve cognitive performance and brain electrical activity in a sample group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. Twenty participants performed an electroencephalography recording, a battery of neuropsychological tests before the neurofeedback training program (T0), following the neurofeedback training program (T1) and 1-month follow-up (T2).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
• education level of 9 years of studies minimum
• righthandedness
• subjective memory complaint confirmed by an informant
• a Mini Mental Status Examination score >20.
• preserve activity of daily living and absence of dementia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• elderly persons who were under guardianship
• resident in nursing facilities
• neurological disease, psychiatric disease
• and involved in another cogniitve intervention.