Methodology and preliminary data on feasibility of a neurofeedback protocol to improve visual attention to letters in mild Alzheimer's disease

Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin; Daniel Klee; Tab Memmott; Betts Peters; Jack Wiedrick; Melanie Fried-Oken; Barry Oken; Deniz Erdogmus; David Smith; Steven Bedrick; Brandon Eddy; Michelle Kinsella; Matthew Lawhead; Aziz Kocanaogullari; Shiran Dudy

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications (Aug 2022)

Methodology and preliminary data on feasibility of a neurofeedback protocol to improve visual attention to letters in mild Alzheimer's disease

Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin,
Daniel Klee,
Tab Memmott,
Betts Peters,
Jack Wiedrick,
Melanie Fried-Oken,
Barry Oken,
Deniz Erdogmus,
David Smith,
Steven Bedrick,
Brandon Eddy,
Michelle Kinsella,
Matthew Lawhead,
Aziz Kocanaogullari,
Shiran Dudy

Affiliations

Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin: Institute on Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Daniel Klee: Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Tab Memmott: Institute on Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Betts Peters: Institute on Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Jack Wiedrick: Biostatistics & Design Program, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
Melanie Fried-Oken: Institute on Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Barry Oken: Institute on Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Corresponding author. Department of Neurology, 3250 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
Deniz Erdogmus: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
David Smith: Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
Steven Bedrick: Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Brandon Eddy: Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
Michelle Kinsella: Institute on Disability and Development, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Matthew Lawhead: Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Aziz Kocanaogullari: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
Shiran Dudy: Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 28
p. 100950

Abstract

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Background: Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems are controlled by users through neurophysiological input for a variety of applications, including communication, environmental control, and motor rehabilitation. Although individuals with severe speech and physical impairment are the primary users of this technology, BCIs have emerged as a potential tool for broader populations, including delivering cognitive training/interventions with neurofeedback (NFB). Methods: This paper describes the development and preliminary testing of a protocol for use of a BCI system with NFB as an intervention for people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The intervention focused on training visual attention and language skills, as AD is often associated with functional impairments in both. This funded pilot study called for enrolling five participants with mild AD in a six-week BCI EEG-based NFB intervention that followed a four-to-seven-week baseline phase. While two participants completed the study, the remaining three participants could not complete the intervention phase because of COVID-19 restrictions. Results: Preliminary pilot results suggested: (1) participants with mild AD were able to participate in a study with multiple assessments per week and complete all outcome measures, (2) most outcome measures were reliable during the baseline phase, and (3) all participants with mild AD learned to operate a BCI spelling system with training. Conclusions: Although preliminary results demonstrate practical feasibility to deliver NFB intervention using a BCI to adults with AD, completion of the protocol in its entirety with more participants is needed to further assess whether implementing NFB-based cognitive intervention is justified by functional treatment outcomes. Trial registration: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03790774).

Published in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

ISSN: 2451-8654 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/contemporary-clinical-trials-communications/

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