With the frequency of reason: a critical thinking generator will protect pensioners from fraudsters

Russian scientists have created a device to stimulate the gamma rhythm of the brain, which is associated with critical thinking. This is one of the main functions that weakens in a person with age, which is often used by scammers. The effect of the device should be carried out during mental or physical exertion, which significantly enhances the effect. It will take at least five weeks to feel the first results, but they can last up to a year. Experts' opinions on the possibilities of the methodology are divided. Some say that there are enough scientific grounds to consider such devices useful, while others note their too weak and short-term effect.

Stimulation of gamma and alpha rhythms

Lobachevsky University specialists are developing devices to restore cognitive functions that weaken due to age-related changes in the brain. The alpha rhythm stimulation device, which is more focused on stress relief and overall improvement of the nervous system, has already passed clinical trials. Another device operating in the gamma range and designed to enhance critical thinking still exists as a prototype.

It is assumed that users of the inventions will first assess their mental health using a special "TRP-M" test system created by the same scientists, and then, if necessary, improve their condition by training on these "mental simulators."

— The brain is formed before the age of 21. After 35, he gradually begins to decrease his functions. Most often, we notice memory loss. But the most important thing that characterizes old age is the loss of critical thinking. Therefore, older people often become victims of scams. To restore this function, we propose our prototype, a gamma stimulator. He combines gamma stimulation with cognitive-stressful processes: reading books or solving problems, as well as physical activity. This allows for a synergistic effect and a more powerful brain response," explained Maria Vedunova, Director of the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine at UNN.

Gamma stimulation is a deep effect that cannot have a quick effect. It works almost like physical toning, and it takes several months to get the result. However, in this case, it will be long-term and will allow activating some processes of functional brain activity, the specialist explained to Izvestia.

Externally, both devices resemble a helmet. At the first stage, thanks to the built-in EEG, the device determines the wavelength at which the patient's brain is working and adjusts the system to his individual characteristics. Then the visual stimulation is activated using LEDs. Additional sound effects are also possible.

— With alpha stimulation, 10-14 procedures are enough to normalize the condition and relax, and then you can take some kind of break. It takes three to five weeks for you to feel the effect, but it can last up to a year," said Maria Vedunova.

The developers plan to further simplify their devices for users and make them into glasses.

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Weak and short-term effect

Stimulation of various frequencies at which the brain works can indeed be effective, but it has contraindications, so it should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, Vera Tolchennikova, director of the Research Institute of Brain Development and Higher Education at the RUDN University, explained to Izvestia.

Visual stimulation can be harmful, for example, in the case of epilepsy. Therefore, the technology should be used together with a neurologist and a number of contraindications should be identified for it. It is also important to understand that the relationship between rhythmic brain activity and mental functions is not linear. Although increasing the power of the alpha rhythm can help to immerse yourself in a calm state," Vera Tolchennikova said.

Anastasia Kovaleva, head of the Laboratory of Motor Movement Control at the RUDN Research Institute of Brain Development and Higher Education, agrees that gamma rhythm stimulation can be useful for improving brain function. However, according to her, the weaknesses of the technology include the inability to be sure that it is the gamma activity of the brain that is being recorded, as there are many artifacts, especially when using commercial devices by non-professionals.

— The gamma rhythm is all the signals on the EEG with a frequency above 30 Hz. Research shows that at this frequency, neurons synchronize with each other to perform complex cognitive tasks of awareness and perception of stimuli. However, high-frequency signals from the surface of the head, which are recorded by an encephalograph, are affected not only by brain activity, but also, for example, by tension in the muscles of the head. The frequency of the gamma rhythm intersects with the frequency of muscle activity. It is very difficult to separate these indicators from each other. In addition, such stimulation entails a shift in the frequency of the brain that is familiar to humans. This can have various consequences," Anastasia Kovaleva said.

Direct brain stimulation using weak electric current or magnetic pulses, including at various frequencies for alpha and gamma rhythms, can improve short-term, working and long-term memory, treat depression or the effects of stroke. And light stimulation is usually used to diagnose epilepsy and other disorders, explained neurobiologist Vladimir Alipov to Izvestia.

— To enhance cognitive functions, even electrical or magnetic effects have a weak and short-term effect. It persists for 20-30 minutes after the session. There was a hypothesis that stimulation could help plasticity or restore lost functions, but it did not materialize. The fact that long—term results can be achieved in this way has not yet been confirmed either. Perhaps light can be used directly during mental activity. For example, when a person needs to remember something, they need to be photostimulated. Most likely, this method will work for visual images, but whether it will help to memorize, for example, audio information is unclear, — says the specialist.

Now all these techniques are too far from helping the aging brain. However, in general, such exposure is harmless to humans and has no long-term consequences. It is dangerous only for patients with epilepsy, the expert added.