Comparison of effects between SMR/delta-ratio and beta1/theta-ratio neurofeedback training for older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Résumé
Background: Older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are at high risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). Slowing down the effect of dementia by enhancing brain plasticity represents one of the most
prominent challenges. Neurofeedback (NF) has shown promising results in improving working memory but has
never been evaluated in people with MCI. We aim to examine whether NF training can decrease cognitive
disorders, targeting memory, attention functions and brain electrical activity in elderly patients with MCI.
Methods: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol, we will investigate the effects of two NF
training protocols on cognitive performances and on brain electrical activity. Sixty MCI patients will be assigned
either to an intervention program or to psycho-pedagogical care as a control condition. Participants in the
intervention group will attend 30 sessions of sensorimotor/delta-ratio NF training or beta1/theta-ratio NF training.
Neuropsychological assessment, questionnaires and electroencephalography (EEG) assessment parameters will be
used as dependent variables in three periods: at baseline (T0), immediately after the last NF training session at 4
months (T1) and at 3-month follow-up (T2). The primary outcome will be the change in attention measured with
the Trail Making Test B. Secondary outcome will be the changes in cognitive performance and in EEG activities.
Discussion: If the results of our study show improvement in cognitive performances of older adults with MCI, this
non-invasive, low-cost technique may deserve better consideration as a therapeutic intervention to delay cognitive
decline and dementia. Consequently, research in NF will need to review and develop the rigor of its application in
gerontology
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Licence : CC BY - Paternité
Licence : CC BY - Paternité