Cognitive Enhancement Using 19-Electrode Z-Score Neurofeedback

Abstract

A 23-year-old man presented for a neurological evaluation due to cognitive problems restricting him from college education. He graduated successfully from high school but had problems in college, which caused his subsequent withdrawal. He was interested in trying neurofeedback (NFB) for possible cognitive enhancement. His initial computerized neurocognitive testing showed global cognitive standard score (GCS) of 93.1. The information processing speed standard score was 64.5 and was the lowest of scored domains. Quantitative electroencephalography revealed right frontal and temporal increase in delta power and left frontal and temporal beta power excess. Fifteen sessions of 19-electrode Z-score NFB lead to marked improvement of the patient’s subjective cognitive perception as well as GCS on computerized neurocognitive testing. His post-NFB GCS was 104.1 and information-processing speed reached 85.2. Also a reduction of the right frontal and temporal delta power expression was achieved, as well as improvement in the left fronto-temporal beta power. This case report illustrates marked increase in cognitive performance achieved by Z-score 19-electrodes NFB training and justifies the initiation of larger studies to confirm these promising findings.