The use of neurofeedback method in cognitive function training in the elderly – a systematic literature review

Abstract

Introduction and objective Cognitive functioning disorders are a common problem associated with the aging process. One of the non-pharmacological therapeutic methods used in attempts at improvement the cognitive functioning of the elderly is neurofeedback. The aim of the work was to conduct a review of the latest research on the effectiveness of the use of the neurofeedback method in cognitive training of older people. Brief description of the state of knowledge Based on a review of literature from 2013–2018 concerning the use of the neurofeedback method in the cognitive training of the elderly, 7 items qualified for the analysis. In the majority of them, the training included persons without diagnosed cognitive impairment. Positive influence on cognitive functions was dependent on the training protocol used; however, the most frequent changes were observed in the range of particular memory functions. In most studies, it was shown that the use of the neurofeedback method in cognitive training is associated with changes in the EEG record of older people. Conclusions The results of the conducted analysis indicate a potential of the neurofeedback method in the therapy of cognitive functions of the elderly. It was found that better therapeutic effects were achieved in patients whose cognitive state enabled fully active participation in the training. However, large discrepancies in the training protocols used, and the small number of publications meeting the inclusion criteria, suggest the need for further research, in particular regarding the observation of the long-term effects of the training procedures used.

Keywords

• neurofeedback
• aged
• cognitive function
• cognitive therapy
• systematic review