Clinical Trial: Electroencephalography (EEG) Biofeedback Training to Improve Executive Functioning and Memory in Adults With a Dementing Illness

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Pilot Study of EEG and Cerebral Blood Flow Biofeedback Training in Remediating Cognitive and Behavioral Deficits in Adults With a Dementing Illness.

Brief Summary: This study measures whether the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can be successfully treated by (a) biofeedback training to increase brain blood flow, (b) biofeedback to increase the frequency of the brain's dominant brainwave rhythm, and (c) rhythmic stimulation to increase the brain's dominant brainwave frequency.

Detailed Summary:

Objectives and Significance

  1. What is (are) the primary goal(s) of the study The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback training to increase regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and peak alpha frequency (PAF) on the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We will also measure the effects of EEG driven photostimulation during PAF neurofeedback on learning of higher PAF states and related clinical outcomes.
  2. What is (are) the secondary goal(s) of the study A diversity of clinical, neuropsychological, and physiological variables will be collected in this study. For instance, a full 19-channel quantitative EEG (QEEG) assessment will be performed at intake. The relationship between EEG power and coherence and the symptoms of this disorder could potentially provide an important contribution to the literature on the usefulness of QEEG for differential diagnosis.

An additional goal of the study is to contribute to the understanding of how neurofeedback works. For instance, we will take measurements to determine if learning to control the PAF involves awareness of some internal subjective state related to the PAF. Also, the effect of the reward signal on a brainwave called the P300 may show the importance of having the reward tone sounding the majority of the time during neurofeedback sessions. Finally, we will measure whether blood flow changes during EEG biofeedback and whether the EEG is affected by blood flow biofeedback.

We propose several measurements that will contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of action of neurofeedback.

Frontotemporal Dementia and Cerebral Hyperperfusion Single photon emissi
Sponsor: Quietmind Foundation

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function- Adult Version, Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test, Symptom Checklist 90R [ Time Frame: Within two weeks of last session ]
  • EEG amplitude [ Time Frame: within two weeks of last session ]
    decreased slow wave amplitudes from 1-4hz


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Quietmind Foundation

Dates:
Date Received: July 21, 2010
Date Started: June 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: July 22, 2010
Last Verified: July 2010