For Collaborating Healthcare Professionals: What We Do at Synaptik
- Cheng Ruan
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Advancing Cognitive Health: A Comprehensive Approach to Brain Training and Neurofeedback
At Synaptik, we employ a multifaceted approach to cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based interventions. Our methodology is grounded in the latest neuroscientific research, offering a unique blend of diagnostic precision and targeted therapeutic strategies.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) Brain Mapping
We utilize qEEG as a cornerstone diagnostic tool, providing detailed insights into brain wave patterns and cortical electrical activity. This technique allows us to:
- Identify specific areas of over- or under-activity
- Detect deviations in brain function in response to stimuli
- Monitor changes in brain wave patterns over time, crucial for assessing therapeutic efficacy
qEEG has demonstrated high sensitivity (72–93%) and specificity (75–88%) in identifying conditions such as depression, making it an invaluable tool in our diagnostic arsenal.
fNIRS-Based Neurofeedback
Our program incorporates functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neurofeedback, a non-invasive technique that offers several advantages over traditional EEG or fMRI approaches:
- Enhanced spatial resolution compared to EEG
- Greater accessibility and reduced motion sensitivity compared to fMRI
- Real-time monitoring of hemodynamic responses in cortical areas
Recent studies have shown that fNIRS neurofeedback can lead to:
- Increased bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DL-PFC) activity
- Enhanced working memory function
- Improved cognitive flexibility
Multimodal Cognitive Training
We implement a comprehensive cognitive training regimen that includes:
1. Computerized cognitive tasks
2. Virtual reality-enhanced exercises
3. Group-based cognitive stimulation therapy (CST)
This multimodal approach has been shown to:
- Improve domain-specific cognitive performance in healthy older adults
- Potentially delay cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Acoustic Stimulation for Sleep Enhancement
Recognizing the critical role of sleep in cognitive health, we incorporate targeted acoustic stimulation to enhance slow-wave sleep (SWS). A recent phase 1 study demonstrated:
- Significant increase in SWS duration using 40-dB pink noise delivered during the up-phase of delta waves
- Almost doubled time spent in SWS by the end of the intervention in Alzheimer's disease patients
Ongoing Assessment and Personalization
Our approach is iterative and data-driven:
- Regular qEEG assessments to track changes in brain wave patterns
- Adaptive difficulty in cognitive training tasks
- Personalized neurofeedback protocols based on individual progress
By combining these advanced modalities, we aim to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Our goal is to not only address existing cognitive concerns but also to potentially prevent or delay the onset of dementia in at-risk populations.
Citations:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8879113/
[2] https://hal.science/hal-04223201v1/document
[3] https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2016/11/14/brain-training-can-help-fight-against-dementia.html
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37593850/
[5] https://tohoku.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/the-effect-of-cognitive-training-with-neurofeedback-on-cognitive-
[6] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00594/full
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7248378/
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beginners-guide-understanding-qeeg-neurofeedback-brain-training-
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29255842/
[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1412289/full
[11] https://www.arbor-health.com/blog/qeeg-neurofeedback
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