The term Dementia describes a range of illnesses related to memory impairment, behavioural changes and a range of cognitive deficits, which normally affect the elderly. Approximately 50 million people world-wide have some form of Dementia, of which between 60-80% is caused by Alzheimers disease (AD). Alzheimers is a neurodegenerative disease which can be classed as early onset (EOAD) or late onset (LOAD). The latter refers to sporadic presentation in over 65-year-olds. The familial autosomal dominant gene is only seen in 1-5% of cases (EOAD) and has no cure. Presence of abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins in the grey matter of the cortex produces Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT’s) and is a primary marker of the disease. The second pathalogical signature is accumulation of extracellular Amyloid-Beta peptides (Ab) as plaques, which contribute to a cycle of neuronal death, neuroinflammation and other forms of neurodegeneration. Recent genetic research (Andrade-Guerrero et al. 2023) has found that LOAD, once thought to be driven by lifestyle, environmental and other factors such as having a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or depression, does appear to have a significant genetic component. Besides those directly linked to the production and clearance of Tau protein and NFT’s, up to 40 gene alleles associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation and other cell processes for example, can increase the predisposition to developing Alzheimers.

From a QEEG perspective, Dementia and Alzheimers maps have elevated levels of slow wave Theta waveform, which equate to sub-optimal brain function. Dominance of slower frequencies and reduction in coherence or connectivity between brain regions means understanding, storing and recall of information is compromised. A recent review (Laborda-Sanchez and Cansino 2021) looked at 14 studies using Neurofeedback,(NF) and how effective they were in treating cognitive decline in the aging. The results were promising but not conclusive, and showed that when Theta was reduced, outcomes were usually positive. Included in the review paper was a study of 10 AD patients (Luijmes et al.2016), which found improved memory, recognition and recall. In 2018, Campos da Paz and team reported that Neurofeedback could help with working memory, and “preserve cognitive reserve” in the elderly. These studies support earlier results from Becerra (2012) who found improvements in EEG metrics and memory from Neurofeedback.

How QEEG and Neurofeedback can help

A QEEG examination provides personalized results that identify the activity most likely to be contributing to loss of memory and cognitive deficits. The brain maps display the frequencies which may be lacking, as well as those that are elevated. These areas can then be addressed in the Z-score swLORETA Neurofeedback program to improve brain function and performance. The training software discourages the dysfunctional brain pattern, both intensity/power and speed/frequency, and over an undefined number of sessions, reduction in the deviant electrical activity usually occurs.

Presence of elevated slow wave activity and reduced connectivity are two typical EEG signatures of a person with Dementia. When slow wave is moderated by the training, and fast wave Beta is promoted, there can be widespread improvements in brain function. In addition to training atypical patterns seen in the individualized QEEG, the software offers more general Alzheimers protocols, which can be trialed. These contain a number of different metrics which have shown, in research, to be directly linked to the disease. Specific pathways involved in memory and cognition, and brain regions such as the Hippocampus, are targeted in the program.

Note :NDIS approved participants may be eligible for capacity building funding - please confirm with NDIS coordinator prior to booking.