The
Neuroscience of
Memory
Memory Problems... Is it Physiological or Normal Aging?
EEG brain mapping can help identify if a memory problem is due to a physiological dysfunction or just normal aging.
Many memory problems are due to underlying sleep issues, attention disorders, past concussions, or anxiety.
Other memory problems are due to electrical dysfunction in networks involved in memory encoding and recalling.
If the problem is physiological, neurofeedback may be able to help correct the dysfunction and improve memory.
Effectiveness of neurofeedback training on verbal memory, visual memory and self-efficacy in students
"It can be concluded that NFB is effective in improving verbal memory and some dimensions of visual memory. Therefore, NFB can be used to improve the memory of individuals in various parts of life and work."
Nazer, M., Mirzaei, H., & Mokhtaree, M. (2018). Effectiveness of neurofeedback training on verbal memory, visual memory and self-efficacy in students. Electronic physician, 10(9), 7259–7265. https://doi.org/10.19082/7259
Influence of electroencephalography neurofeedback training on episodic memory: a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind study
"In conclusion, this paper presents a double-blind, sham-controlled design study testing the effects of neurofeedback on episodic memory. We have shown that young healthy participants, trained twice a week for 30 min of neurofeedback, can present particular memory improvement after 10 sessions".
Guez J, Rogel A, Getter N, et al. Influence of electroencephalography neurofeedback training on episodic memory: a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind study. Memory. 2015;23(5):683-694. doi:10.1080/09658211.2014.921713
Neurofeedback Training Facilitates Working Memory Performance in Healthy Older Adults
"The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of neurofeedback training on working memory performance in a healthy aging population. The results show that the participants who had neurofeedback training increased their performance on a visual working memory task compared to participants who did not have training".
Campos da Paz VK, Garcia A, Campos da Paz Neto A, Tomaz C. SMR Neurofeedback Training Facilitates Working Memory Performance in Healthy Older Adults: A Behavioral and EEG Study. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018;12:321. Published 2018 Dec 20. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00321
Neurofeedback training of EEG alpha rhythm enhances episodic and working memory
"Our study provided promising results using neurofeedback to demonstrate the trainability of frontoparietal alpha rhythm and their functional correlations with working memory and episodic memory. The findings suggested the enhancement of working and episodic memory through neurofeedback training".
Hsueh JJ, Chen TS, Chen JJ, Shaw FZ. Neurofeedback training of EEG alpha rhythm enhances episodic and working memory. Human Brain Mapping. 2016 Jul;37(7):2662-2675. DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23201.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EEG Brain Map?
An EEG brain map objectively measures brain function for people between the ages of 6 and 92. It identifies specific regions of the brain that may be producing too much, or too little electrical activity compared to a controlled, normative database of your same age and gender.
A brain map takes less than an hour to record and is neither invasive nor painful. You simply wear a cap with 19 sensors that record your brain’s electrical activity while you relax in a chair. It is similar to having an EKG record your heart. It’s as safe as a stethoscope!
Is there supporting research
validating EEG brain mapping?
Yes, there are hundreds of research studies on EEG for a wide variety of symptoms, including memory problems, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), ADD/ADHD, and processing issues.
EEG is considered the “Gold Standard” in neuroscience for measuring real-time brain function. EEG brain mapping is used by the Department of Defense as well as top institutions including UCLA, UCSD, Stanford and many others.
Will insurance pay for my EEG brain map?
Even though EEG brain mapping has hundreds of research studies, currently, insurance does not pay or reimburse for EEG brain maps. The current insurance model is to prescribe medications solely based on symptoms and history. EEG technology is still a few years away from being considered a “main stream” medical diagnostic tool. However, the Brain Performance Center has recently reduced the price for a full EEG brain map to only $500 (the price for the last 5 years has been $975). This helps make it an affordable, out-of-pocket brain health investment.
How will a brain map help me?
Without an EEG brain map, healthcare providers and therapists rely solely on subjective information like symptoms and history. Neuroscience research has identified 6 different types of brain physiology that can produce anxiety symptoms and 6 others that can produce ADHD symptoms.
Many symptoms can be the result of abnormal brain activity during sleep cycles. Understanding the physiological source is imperative to any treatment plan. EEG brain mapping is the technology that provides an objective assessment to help direct the most effective brain health interventions.
Can I record a brain map even if I
am currently taking medication?
Yes, continue to take your medications prescribed by your doctor. We know how medications affect your brain map and can account for this when reviewing the results.
How do I schedule an EEG brain map?
Based on my EEG brain map,
will you recommend specific interventions?
An EEG brain map can help identify if your brain function is being affected by nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, genetic factors, sleep cycle dysfunction, or due to post-concussion activity. If one or more of these are identified, we will recommend specific nutritional interventions, changes to your diet, changes in lifestyle, specific genetic tests, or EEG biofeedback sessions (Neurofeedback) to optimize your brain’s electrical activity.
Who reviews my brain map results with me?
Once your brain map is fully processed, you will have a 1-hour consultation to review your brain map findings with our Director of Neuroscience, Bryan Hixson. Mr. Hixson is one of the leading neuroscience experts in quantitative EEG brain mapping, neurocognitive testing, neurofeedback brain training, and nutritional cellular health.
Mr. Hixson is a brain health expert consultant for AARP’s Staying Sharp platform, serving 38 million members. He is also the Director of Digital Brain Health for Sharecare/DoctorOz.com, the founder and neuroscience director of the Brain Performance Centers, and an EEG brain mapping contractor for the U.S. Army. Additionally, Mr. Hixson is the co-founder of BrainSpan Laboratories, which is used by over 1,000 doctors nationwide. It is the most clinically validated blood spot test available for optimizing fatty acids related to brain health.