  Brain computer interfaces systems are controlled by users through
neurophysiological input for a variety of applications including communication,
environmental control, motor rehabilitation, and cognitive training. 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,
especially with regards to delivering cognitive training or interventions with
neurofeedback. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of
using a BCI system with neurofeedback as an intervention for people with mild
Alzheimer's disease. The study focused on visual attention and language since
ad is often associated with functional impairments in language and reading. The
study enrolled five adults with mild ad in a nine to thirteen week BCI EEG
based neurofeedback intervention to improve attention and reading skills. Two
participants completed intervention entirely. The remaining three participants
could not complete the intervention phase because of restrictions related to
covid. Pre and post assessment measures were used to assess reliability of
outcome measures and generalization of treatment to functional reading,
processing speed, attention, and working memory skills. Participants
demonstrated steady improvement in most cognitive measures across experimental
phases, although there was not a significant effect of NFB on most measures of
attention. One subject demonstrated significantly significant improvement in
letter cancellation during NFB. All participants with mild AD learned to
operate a BCI system with training. Results have broad implications for the
design and use of bci systems for participants with cognitive impairment.
Preliminary evidence justifies implementing NFB-based cognitive measures in AD.
