Cognitive Enhancement Using 19-ElectrodeZ-Score Neurofeedback

Abstract

A 23-year-old man presented for a neurological evaluation due to cognitive problems restricting him from college education. He graduated successfully from high school but had problems in college, which caused his subsequent withdrawal. He was interested in trying neurofeedback (NFB) for possible cognitive enhancement. His initial computerized neurocognitive testing showed global cognitive standard score (GCS) of 93.1. The information processing speed standard score was 64.5 and was the lowest of scored domains. Quantitative electroencephalography revealed right frontal and temporal increase in delta power and left frontal and temporal beta power excess. Fifteen sessions of 19-electrode Z-score NFB lead to marked improvement of the patient's subjective cognitive perception as well as GCS on computerized neurocognitive testing. His post-NFB GCS was 104.1 and information-processing speed reached 85.2. Also a reduction of the right frontal and temporal delta power expression was achieved, as well as improvement in the left fronto-temporal beta power. This case report illustrates marked increase in cognitive performance achieved by Z-score 19-electrodes NFB training and justifies the initiation of larger studies to confirm these promising findings.

Neurocognitive Enhancement: Applications and Ethical Issues

“…Empirical observations added to the limited pieces of evidence suggesting that neurofeedback, through the modulation of electrophysiological central activity (Balconi et al, 2017;Mirifar, Beckmann, & Ehrlenspiel, 2017), could be an effective method for strengthening attention and emotional regulation, coping with stress, adaptive orientation of mental resources, focusing, and sensorimotor efficiency Crivelli et al, 2019). Again, those observations are also in line with other studies that, in different applied contexts, have observed the effectiveness of different neurofeedback-based training programs as valid enhancement tools able to provide a real-time performance feedback that leads to improved behavioral and physiological markers of neurocognitive efficiency Crivelli et al, 2019;Enriquez-Geppert, Huster, & Herrmann, 2013;Koberda, Moses, Koberda, & Koberda, 2012).…”

Clinical Perspectives of 19-Channel Z-Score Neurofeedback: Benefits and Limitations

“…Although NF has recently gained more acceptance regarding efficacy, much of the supporting literature, by way of metaanalyses and reviews, is largely concerning the theta=beta ratio and slow cortical potential models (Arns, de Ridder, Strehl, Breteler, & Coenen 2009;Brandeis, 2011;Gevensleben, Rothenberger, Moll, & Heinrich, 2012;Lofthouse, Arnold, Hersch, Hurt, & DeBeus, 2012;Niv, 2013;Pigott, De Biase, BodenhamerDavis, & Davis, 2013). Regarding 19ZNF, although there have been a handful of conference talks and poster presentations (Koberda, Moses, Koberda, & Koberda, 2012b;Rutter, 2011;Wigton, 2010aWigton, , 2010bWigton & Krigbaum, 2012), as of the writing of this article, there are only two peer-reviewed empirical reports published addressing (surface) 19ZNF (Hallman, 2012;Koberda, Moses, Koberda, & Koberda, 2012a), and both are single case studies. Thus there is much that needs to be addressed with 19ZNF research.…”

Z-Score LORETA Neurofeedback as a Potential Therapy in Cognitive Dysfunction and Dementia

“…QEEG frequently reveals increase in delta and theta frontal and temporal power [1]. Neurofeedback has been shown previously to be helpful in selected cases in memory and cognitive enhancement [2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, our experience with patients suffering from AD is still very limited.…”