Neurofeedback-Enhanced Working Memory Training: A Proof-of-Concept for Reversing Age-Related Neural Slowing in Older Adults

Specific electrophysiological (EEG) brain patterns may serve as neural biomarkers of aging, predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in older adults, while other patterns are more closely associated with preserved brain health, such as improved working memory retrieval. In this pilot feasibility study, we developed and tested a novel visual neurofeedback (NF) protocol designed to reward EEG-based brainwave patterns linked to optimal working memory retrieval. We hypothesize that reinforcing these brainwave patterns could enhance cognitive efficiency by promoting increased alpha power, associated with focused attention, while reducing delta power, which is linked to memory lapses. Three older adults completed 8 to 16 NF training sessions using the protocol. Resting EEG (eyes closed) was recorded before and after training to explore changes in brainwave patterns. Preliminary findings suggest a potential increase in alpha oscillations and a reduction in delta waves, providing initial support for the feasibility of this NF approach and motivating further evaluation in larger-scale studies.