Neurotechnology and Brain Health

The fusion of applicable technology and neuroscience has created a new found field in recent years called neurotechnology. The history of technology developing within neuroscience started with the inventions of the EEG (electroencephalogram), that detects electrical activity, and MRI/fMRI that measures changes in blood flow. EEGs are particularly useful for researchers when trying to pinpoint the relationship between behavior and brain activity within a small temporal time period whereas fMRI is more useful for locating which brain areas are associated with behavior.

Both EEG and fMRI have been very beneficial for the fields of neuroscience and brain health but they often come at a cost. This is why technology has continued to create new, affordable and efficient ways that influence brain health data. An article written by SharpBrains' Alvaro Fernadez explores 10 technologies that innovators have proposed in recent years that contribute to the growing field of neurotechnology. The 10 technologies on the list that I'm going to talk about are either soon to be in use for brain health or are already in use.

The first neurotechnology on the list is Big Data-enhanced diagnostics and treatments. Because of the level of computing power that general technology has achieved, computers can synergize thousands of brain data components from clinical trials and research. This allows brain health researchers to compare an individuals' data with population data within a specific age group, geographic location or intelligence level to determine where on a variable distribution curve the individual is located. This data can be used to help predict future neurodegenerative diseases or behavioral changes that might benefit the individual. With more information being processed by big-data institutions, healthcare information can be properly distinguished to help healthcare providers identify trends. Companies like CNS Response and Advanced Brain Monitoring are using these big data systems for health analytics.

Another neurotechnology on the list includes Real-time neuromonitoring. Real-time neuromonitoring is exactly what it sounds like - it is a system that monitors your brain activity in real-time while an individual is performing cognitive functions, sleeping, or anything in between. As a brain health example, these systems can detect if brain activity is about to lead to a seizure and in real-time, provide treatments that ultimately prevent epileptic activity.

Virtual reality combined with EEG and tDCS represents another neurotechnology that is utilized for brain health. tDCS is a form of neuro(brain) stimulation that uses a low electrical current to transform the electrical environment of a particular brain area. The amazing capacity of virtual reality to depict real world events combined with the measuring capabilities of EEG and enhancement capabilities of tDCS (transcranial direct-current stimulation) give brain health researchers the ability to create behavioral trainings that can combat PTSD and phobias. Companies like Medtronic, Brainlab and Nielsen are creating patents in the virtual reality space to develop these technologies.

Electrical and magnetic brain stimulation today typically comes in the form of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and tDCS. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate neurons in the brain in a specific location. The research behind tDCS and TMS has shown that it is useful in combating symptoms of depression. Many hospitals are continuing to perform clinical trials and research to explore the positive transfer effects of TMS and tDCS.

Neurotechnology in brain health is projected to grow increasingly in the next few decades. With healthcare being such an important aspect of society and policy there is a continuing demand for new technology to create an efficient system. A huge aspect of this system is mental and brain health. But neurotechnologies don't stop there. Read about many more neurotechnologies relating to everyday work performance, attention and mindfulness in the SharpBrains article here.


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