Neurocognitive Training to Improve Executive Function

This project develops an electroencephalography (EEG)-based training tool to enable individuals to improve neurocognitive processes associated with executive function through the use of neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback in which real-time measures of brainwave activity are presented to an individual in a manner that enables them to willfully control aspects of their brainwave activity with the goal of actively selecting desirable states or reducing time in undesirable states. In this Phase I research, high frequency activity in prefrontal cortex is the desired outcome. Beta and gamma states, characterized by EEG activity above 12Hz, are detected on the frontal scalp and used to drive custom hardware providing feedback to the subject using a novel feedback mechanism. The prototype trainer is based upon inexpensive hardware emerging from the computer gaming and home entertainment marketplace.