Method and apparatus for eliciting nerve stimulation

Abstract

An apparatus for improving cognitive competence of a user and a method thereof, one or more visual training tasks are presented to the user via a processor implemented method step of displaying at least one session of KS visual training tasks, the session requiring one or more responses of the user; the visual training task is configured to induce an amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to the at least provided visual training task, thereby improving the cognitive ability of the at least one user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Network activity at gamma frequencies (30–100 Hz) in the brain plays an important role in information transmission across connected brain regions and across cortical hemispheres. Such oscillatory activity brings together multimodal inputs in target regions for effective spatio-temporal integration. Gamma frequency oscillations have been shown to slow power decay in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Transcranial alternating current stimulation projecting gamma waves has been shown to have a positive effect on the persistent enhancement of synaptic transmission in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to various embodiments of the present invention, new methods for improving and / or increasing a user's cognitive ability are provided.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for increasing a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: presenting to the user one or more visual training tasks via a method step of displaying at least one session (S 1, S 2… S M ) where each session of K S visual training tasks requires one or more responses from the user; wherein the visual training tasks are configured to induce amplification of the frequency power of the brain upon response to at least the provided visual training tasks.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0007] at a given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a session S1 of K S time steps, receiving and / or collecting the response profile of the user to the displayed visual training task at the given time step (N = K);

[0008] analyzing the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) of the session S1 and optionally at any previous time step (N < K);

[0009] repeating the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of the session S1, repeating the session S1 a predetermined number of times K ≤ K S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0011] at the last time step (N = K S ) of a session S1 at time step (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S) receives and / or collects the time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K) of session S1 S ) a user's response profile for a plurality of displayed visual training tasks displayed at ;

[0012] The analysis is done at the last time step (N=K S ) received from the user's response profile;

[0013] In the subsequent time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K S ) repeats the displaying step for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0014] According to some embodiments, amplification of the power of the brain-induced frequencies includes increasing the power of gamma waves.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the amplification of the frequency power induced in the brain includes at least one of:

[0016] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0017] Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the vision training task is selected to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the vision task includes distinguishing between a target image and a non-target image in a display.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the induced amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to a provided visual training task is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for increasing brain coherence between a user's visual area and cognitive area is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S At least one session of each of the visual training tasks (S 1, S2… S M ) The method steps present one or more visual training tasks to a user; wherein, the visual training tasks are configured to induce an increase in the power of the gamma waves of the brain at a local area in response to at least the provided visual training tasks.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0024] At a given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a session S1 of K time steps, receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the displayed visual training task at the given time step (N = K); S )

[0025] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) and optionally at any previous time step (N < K) of the session S1;

[0026] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of the session S1, and repeat the session S1 a predetermined number of times K ≤ K S [[ID=2M]]and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0028] [[ID=2M]]At the last time step (N = K S ) of a session S1 of time steps (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ), receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the multiple displayed visual training tasks at the time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of the session S1;

[0029] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the last time step (N = K S ) of the session S1;

[0030] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a subsequent session S2 a predetermined number of session times and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the visual training tasks are further configured to induce at least one of the following:

[0032] Amplification of the P300 positive brain wave component; and

[0033] Shortening the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the vision training task is selected to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the induced amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to a provided visual training task is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for improving a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S Each of the training stimulus images in at least one session (S 1, S 2… S M ) method step presents one or more training stimulus images to the user; wherein the training stimulus images are configured to induce frequency power amplification in the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulus images.

[0038] According to some embodiments, amplification of the power of the brain-induced frequencies includes increasing the power of gamma waves.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the amplification of the frequency power induced in the brain includes at least one of:

[0040] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0041] After providing training stimulus images, the P300 latency of the brain response is shortened.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the training stimulus images are selected to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least a test image and / or a test visual stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the induced amplification of frequency power of the brain in response to provided visual stimulation is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for increasing brain coherence between a user's visual area and cognitive area is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S At least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps presenting one or more training stimulation images to a user; wherein the training stimulation images are configured to induce an increase in the power of gamma waves in a local area of ​​the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulation images.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the training stimulus image is further configured to induce at least one of the following:

[0047] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0048] Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the user is exposed to the provided visual training stimulus.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the visual training stimulus is selected to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one test image and / or test visual stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the induced amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to provided training stimulus images is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for increasing a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S Each of the visual training tasks had at least one session (S 1, S 2…)The method steps present one or more visual training tasks to a user, which require one or more responses from the user; whereby the visual training tasks are configured to induce a long-term amplification of the frequency power of the brain when responding to at least the provided visual training tasks, thereby improving at least one cognitive ability of the user.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0054] At K S At a given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a session S1 of K time steps, receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the displayed visual training task shown at the given time step (N = K);

[0055] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) and optionally at any previous time step (N < K) of session S1;

[0056] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of session S1, repeating for a predetermined number of times K ≤ K S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0058] At the last time step (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1 at time step (N = K), receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the multiple displayed visual training tasks shown at time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1; S ) of session S1;

[0059] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the last time step (N = K S ) of session S1;

[0060] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a subsequent session S2 for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the induction of the amplification of the frequency power of the brain includes increasing the power of gamma waves.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the induction of the amplification of the frequency power of the brain includes at least one of the following:

[0063] Amplification of the P300 positive brain wave component; and

[0064] Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the visual training task is selected to induce a long-term amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the visual task includes the display of differentiating a target image and a non-target image.

[0067] According to some embodiments, in response to the provided visual training task, the induced long-term amplification of the frequency power of the brain is configured to improve the condition of patients with at least one of the following: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the method further includes use in treating at least one of the following: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for increasing the gamma wave power of a user's brain is provided, the method comprising: presenting to the user one or more visual training tasks via a method step of a display implemented by a processor, K S each of the visual training tasks for at least one session S (S1…S M );

[0070] whereby the visual training task is configured to induce a long-term increase in the gamma wave power of the brain in response to at least the provided visual training task.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] at a given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1 of K S receiving and / or collecting the response profile of the user to the displayed visual training task displayed at the given time step (N = K);

[0073] analyzing the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) and optionally at any previous time step (N < K) of session S1;

[0074] repeating the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of session S1, repeating the display for a predetermined number of times K ≤ K Sand / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0076] In the time step (N=K,1≤K≤K S The last time step of session S1 (N=K S ) receives and / or collects the time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K) of session S1 S ) a user's response profile for a plurality of displayed visual training tasks displayed at ;

[0077] Analyze the last time step of session S1 (N=K S ) received from the user's response profile;

[0078] In the subsequent time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K S ) repeats the displaying step for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the vision training task is further configured to induce at least one of the following:

[0080] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0081] Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the vision training task is selected to induce a long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to a provided visual training task is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for amplifying the P300 positive brainwave component and / or shortening the P300 latency of a user's brainwave is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor;S A method for at least one session of a visual training task presents one or more visual training tasks to a user; whereby, the visual training task is configured to induce a long-term amplification of the P300 positive brain wave component; and / or shorten the P300 latency of the brain response to at least the provided visual training task.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0087] At K S At a given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a session S1, receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the displayed visual training task shown at the given time step (N = K);

[0088] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) and optionally at any previous time step (N < K) of session S1;

[0089] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of session S1, repeating for a predetermined number of times K ≤ K S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0091] At the last time step (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1 at time step (N = K), receive and / or collect the response profile of the user to the multiple displayed visual training tasks shown at time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1; S ) of session S1;

[0092] Analyze the response profile of the user received at the last time step (N = K S ) of session S1;

[0093] Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of a subsequent session S2 for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the training task is further configured to induce an increase in the power of gamma waves.

[0095] According to some embodiments, wherein the visual training task is selected to induce a long-term amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to a provided visual training task is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0098] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for improving a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S At least one session S(S 1… S M ) method steps presenting one or more training stimulus images to the user; wherein the training stimulus images are configured to induce long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least the provided visual training stimulus.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the induction of amplification of the brain's frequency power comprises increasing the power of gamma waves.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the induction of amplification of the brain's frequency power comprises at least one of:

[0101] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0102] After providing visual training stimulation, the P300 latency of the brain response is shortened.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the training stimulus images are selected to induce a long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual stimulus and / or test task not presented to the user by the method.

[0104] In accordance with some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to provided visual stimulation is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0106] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a novel method for increasing the gamma wave power of a user's brain, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S Each of the visual stimuli has at least one session S (S1…S M ) method step presenting one or more training stimulus images to the user;

[0107] The visual training stimulus is thereby configured to induce a long-term increase in gamma wave power in the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulus image.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the training stimulus image is further configured to induce at least one of the following:

[0109] Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and

[0110] Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the user is exposed to the provided visual training stimulus.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the visual training stimulus is selected to induce a long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual test stimulus and / or test task not provided to the user by the method.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to provided training stimulus images is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0113] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0114] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for amplifying the P300 positive brainwave component and / or shortening the P300 latency of a user's brainwave is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S The method steps of presenting one or more training stimulus images to a user;

[0115] Thus, the training stimulus image is configured to induce long-term: an amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and / or a shortening of the P300 latency of a brain response in response to at least the provided training stimulus image.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the training stimulation is further configured to induce an increase in the power of gamma waves.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the visual training stimulus is selected to induce a long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one visual test stimulus and / or test task not provided to the user by the method.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to provided training stimulus images is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises use in treating at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new device is provided, comprising:

[0121] at least one processor configured to perform method steps according to any of the above methods and / or method steps;

[0122] At least one display device configured to display visual tasks and / or stimulus images to a user.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one input device configured to collect and interpret a user's response to the displayed image at any given time step (N=K).

[0124] According to some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and any combination thereof.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one of: a data storage for the user's input and provided analysis, an input device, a speaker device, a microphone device, a computer mouse. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] The subject matter relating to the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0128] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C schematically illustrates an example of a vision training task according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0129] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C 、 Figure 2D 、 Figure 2E 、 Figure 2F and Figure 2G Schematically illustrates examples of more vision training tasks according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0130] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an apparatus and some method steps for presenting a vision training task according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0131] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an apparatus and some method steps for presenting a vision training task according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0132] Figure 5A and Figure 5B schematically illustrates examples of visual stimuli for training or testing according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0133] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C Examples of visual training tasks and their EEG readouts are schematically illustrated;

[0134] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D Schematically illustrates the Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of EEG readings following training stimulus images;

[0135] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B 、 Figure 8C and Figure 8D Examples of four visual training stimuli and their EEG frequency readouts are schematically illustrated;

[0136] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C and Figure 9D Schematic diagram of an example of a visual training task ( Figure 9D ) and their EEG readings before and after training;

[0137] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B 、 Figure 10C and Figure 10D Schematically illustrates the Figure 9D The visual training task session was preceded and followed by visual test stimuli ( Figure 10D ) and examples of their EEG frequency readings;

[0138] Figure 11 Schematic illustration of the mapping of EEG sensors;

[0139] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an example of a visual task including a working memory (WM) task according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0140] Figure 13A and Figure 13B Presents results (accuracy and response time) for 12 participants who were presented with a task with one, two, or three items (shapes);

[0141] Figure 14A and Figure 14B Showcase for Figure 13A and Figure 13B γ coherence for the same task and participants in the results;

[0142] Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 15C and Figure 15D Showing the gamma coherence of two subjects before and after training;

[0143] Figure 15E 、 Figure 15F 、 Figure 15G and Figure 15H Showcase for Figures 15A-15D The subjects in the study showed improvements in cognitive abilities;

[0144] Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B 、 Figure 16C and Figure 16D Figure 3 shows the difference in P300 responses (target vs. non-target), P300 amplitude, and P300 latency during the WM task, as shown before and after training.

[0145] Figure 16E and Figure 16F Demonstrate the relationship between frequency power response and fuzzy representation in both P7+P8 and Fz;

[0146] Figure 17 Demonstrating a "Counting Dogs" task according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0147] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Show as in Figure 17Figure 3 P300 responses measured during the “counting dogs” task.

[0148] It will be understood that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Furthermore, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in multiple figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0149] Detailed description of the invention

[0150] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0151] PCT application PCT / IL22 / 51147, published as WO 2023 / 073715 A2, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0152] According to some embodiments, cognitive decline is associated with impaired brain electrical oscillations. Brain electrical oscillations are fundamental to the functioning of our brain and dictate how we think and respond to the world around us. The synchronized activity of neurons generates these rhythms, which allow different parts of the brain to communicate and direct responses to internal and external stimuli. Over the past few decades, extensive research has been conducted to examine changes in brain electrical oscillations (rhythms) in age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current evidence generally supports the efficacy of resting-state EEG / MEG (rsEEG / MEG) as a non-invasive predictive biomarker of neurodegeneration and conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD.

[0153] According to some embodiments, electroencephalography (EEG) is a method of recording electrical activity on the scalp, which has been shown to represent the macroscopic activity of the underlying surface layers of the brain. It is generally non-invasive, with electrodes placed along the scalp. EEG measures the voltage (V) fluctuations caused by ionic currents (I) within neurons in the brain. Clinically, EEG refers to the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a period of time, as recorded from more than one electrode placed on the scalp.

[0154] According to some embodiments, and as demonstrated below, during a task and / or image display, the EEG readings were recorded using a 30-channel dry (no gel added) wireless headset operating at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. Time-frequency power analysis was performed on the gamma 30-50 Hz band within a specific time window (~0.5 seconds).

[0155] According to some embodiments, diagnostic applications typically focus on event-related potentials or the spectral content of the EEG. The former investigates potential fluctuations time-locked to events such as "stimulus onset" or "button press." The latter analyzes the types of neural oscillations (popularly known as "brain waves") that can be observed in EEG signals in the frequency domain.

[0156] According to some embodiments, the brain's electrical charge is maintained by billions of neurons. Scalp EEG activity shows oscillations at various frequencies. Several of these oscillations have characteristic frequency ranges and spatial distributions, and are associated with different states of brain function. These oscillations represent synchronized activity on a network of neurons.

[0157] According to some embodiments, P300 is a biomarker of cognitive function that reflects the processing speed of neurons in response to basic stimuli that require cognitive decisions.

[0158] According to some embodiments, P300 is measured using EEG, as a positive brain wave component (P300a) in brain activity measured about 300 milliseconds (mSec) after the start of stimulation, to distinguish target stimulation and non-target stimulation that are mainly affected by attention, or to be affected by slower cognitive processing (about 400-500mSec), such as short-term memory or decision-making (P300b). P300 may be generated in the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and basal ganglia. P300 can be used as a measurement tool for cognitive dysfunction in many neurological diseases, and it is particularly relevant to attention and short-term memory. P300 reflects the early cognitive changes of MCI and predicts the dementia of elderly Alzheimer's disease.

[0159] According to some embodiments, a biomarker is the power (20-80Hz) of gamma oscillatory activity. According to some embodiments, in order to calculate gamma power, a measurement (e.g., a memory task) should be compared with a baseline. Therefore, it is 10log (memory situation / baseline). According to some embodiments, gamma oscillatory activity contributes to a wide range of human cognitive functions, such as attention, perception, object recognition, memory processes, facial recognition, and emotional paradigms, from which it can be inferred that gamma synchronization is a fundamental process for many brain functions. In normal healthy aging, gamma power is shown to decrease with age in the occipital and parietal lobes and in the frontal lobe regions. Compared to normal healthy aging, resting state gamma power / synchronization reduction and gamma response delay, as well as gamma band power or connectivity increase (i.e., cross-frequency coupling (CFC)) were demonstrated in MCI and AD groups.

[0160] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new visual task and / or stimulation method is provided, which is configured to induce lasting and stimulus-independent changes in neural oscillations in the brain of a subject. The method currently provided is a training method via a novel visual task and / or visual stimulation, which is configured to induce and / or cause long-term changes in EEG oscillations that are not limited to the type of stimulation. These changes modulate neuronal activity, resulting in persistent changes that generalize to untrained functions and stimuli.

[0161] In particular, the new training method is configured to increase the power of gamma oscillations in response to provided visual tasks and / or visual stimuli. After the training is completed, the user has demonstrated an increase in the power of gamma oscillations compared to a baseline of such pre-training parameters. The training also results in an increase in gamma power oscillations in response to different types of visual tasks and / or visual stimuli that were not included in the training process (untrained stimuli).

[0162] According to some embodiments, the visual task and / or visual stimulation training methods currently provided are configured to induce changes in brain waveforms that result in an improvement (increased amplitude and / or shortened latency) in P300 compared to its pre-training baseline, wherein the change / improvement is not limited to the visual tasks and / or visual stimulation provided by the specific training.

[0163] According to some embodiments, amplitude (μV) is defined as the difference between the mean of the pre-stimulus baseline voltage and the maximum positive-going peak of the event-related potential (ERP) waveform within a time window (e.g., 250-500 milliseconds, but this range can vary depending on the stimulation modality, task conditions, subject age, etc.). Latency (milliseconds) is typically defined as the time from the onset of the stimulus to the point of maximum positive amplitude within the time window. The neuropsychological origins of the P300a and P300b subcomponents are as follows: the neural sites of generation of the P300a and P300b are different, and cognitive models suggest that the P300a originates from stimulus-driven frontal attention mechanisms during task processing, while the P300b originates from temporoparietal activity associated with attention and appears to be related to subsequent memory processing.

[0164] According to some embodiments, the phrases "brain waves" and "neural oscillations" as used herein refer to electrical potentials or impulses released by brain tissue. According to some embodiments, the phrase "frequency power" as used herein refers to the measured electrical power of neural oscillations. According to some embodiments, the measurement of frequency power is provided by convolution (Fast Fourier Transform) of the waveform and is typically presented in decibels [dB].

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the phrase "amplitude" as used herein refers to the difference between the maximum value of P300b and the previous minimum value, e.g. Figure 9A and Figure 9Cis shown in .

[0166] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the phrase "latency" as used herein more specifically refers to "P300b-latency", which is the time difference between the maximum value of P300b and the previous minimum value, such as Figure 9A is shown in .

[0167] According to some embodiments of the present invention, and as used herein, the phrase "response" refers to a user's active reply to a requested task.

[0168] According to some embodiments of the present invention, and as used herein, the phrase "response" refers to a user's brainwave readings and / or brain-evoked activity in response to a requested task and / or presented stimulus.

[0169] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for increasing and / or improving a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: displaying at least one conversation (S1, S2...S M ) method steps presenting one or more visual training tasks to the user, K S Each session of a visual training task requires one or more responses from the user; wherein the visual training task is configured to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least the provided visual training task.

[0170] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method for enhancing and / or improving a user's cognitive ability is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S Each of the training stimulus images in at least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps presenting one or more training stimulus images to a user; wherein the training stimulus images are configured to at least respond to the provided training stimulus images to induce frequency power amplification in the brain.

[0171] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for increasing brain coherence between a user's visual area and cognitive area is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S At least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps presenting one or more visual training tasks to a user; wherein the visual training tasks are configured to induce an increase in gamma wave power in a local area of ​​the brain in response to at least the provided visual training tasks.

[0172] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for increasing brain coherence between a user's visual area and cognitive area is provided, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor;S At least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps presenting one or more training stimulation images to a user; wherein the training stimulation images are configured to induce an increase in gamma wave power in a local area of ​​the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulation images.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the present invention, and as for example in Figure 1A-1C 、 Figure 2A-2G 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, a new method for presenting one or more visual tasks to a user is provided [300, 400]. The method includes a processor implementing a method for presenting K to the user. S Method steps [310, 410] of performing at least one session of a visual task that requires one or more responses from a user.

[0174] According to some embodiments, the visual task is selected such that the requested response is configured to provide a long-term improvement in response to at least the provided visual task and optionally to other visual tasks by means of a better cognitive response and / or motor response.

[0175] According to some embodiments of the present invention, and as for example in Figure 1A-1C 、 Figure 2A-2G 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, a new method for presenting one or more visual tasks to a user is provided [300, 400]. The method includes a processor implementing a method for presenting K to the user. S Method steps [310, 410] of providing at least one session of a visual task requiring one or more responses from a user; wherein the visual tasks are selected such that the requested responses are configured to stimulate and / or induce a long-term amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least the provided visual task (and optionally to other visual tasks).

[0176] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-described sessions of visual tasks are configured to train a user to improve the user's responses and / or brain reactions.

[0177] According to some embodiments, a visual task

[110] includes at least one image

[115] , such as Figure 1A According to some embodiments, the visual task

[130] includes at least two images [135&136, 155&156], such as Figure 1B and Figure 1C According to some embodiments, the visual task

[200] includes more than one image and / or task [220-270], such as in Figure 2A-2G is shown in .

[0178] According to some embodiments, the method includes providing instructions to the user regarding the provided visual task. According to some embodiments, the instructions are universal and the same for all sessions and all time steps. According to some embodiments, the instructions may be changed for each session. According to some embodiments, the instructions may be changed for each time step. According to some embodiments, the instructions may be provided to the user verbally by a monitoring person. According to some embodiments, the instructions may be provided to the user via a processor and at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a display device, a speaker.

[0179] According to some embodiments, the visual task includes at least one instruction to the user that requires a response from the user. Figure 1A

[120] Figure 1B

[140] Figure 1C

[160] and Figure 2A As shown in

[210] .

[0180] According to some embodiments, the user's response includes at least one of the following:

[0181] Cognitive responses; non-limiting examples include: answering questions (e.g., yes / no, true / false, counting the number of target items), selecting items based on criteria, etc.;

[0182] Movement responses; non-limiting examples include: eye / limb movements (e.g., following an item with a cursor, grabbing an item with a cursor);

[0183] emotional responses (e.g., how do you feel?);

[0184] behavioral responses (e.g., what will you do?);

[0185] reflex responses (e.g., following an item with a cursor, grabbing an item with a cursor), which may involve both cognitive and motor responses; and

[0186] Ocular responses (e.g., eye movements, blinks, pupil dynamics).

[0187] According to some embodiments, the phrase "long-term" refers to brain wave changes that persist for more than an hour and up to several months.

[0188] According to some embodiments, and as for example in Figure 3 As shown in , the method

[300] further includes:

[0189] In the case of K S A given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K) of a session S1 of time steps S) Receive and / or collect

[320] the response profile of the user to the displayed visual task at a given time step (N = K);

[0190] Analyze

[330] the response profile of the user received at a given time step (N = K) of session S1 and optionally at any previous time step (N < K);

[0191] Repeat

[340] the display step at a subsequent time step (K = K + 1) of session S1, repeating for a predetermined number of times K ≤ K for session S1 S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0192] According to some embodiments, and as shown for example in Figure 4 the method

[400] further includes:

[0193] At the last time step (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1 with time step (N = K) receive and / or collect

[420] the response profile of the user to the multiple displayed visual tasks at time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of session S1; S Analyze

[430] the response profile of the user received at the last time step (N = K

[0194] ) of session S1; S ) of session S1;

[0195] Repeat

[440] the display step at a subsequent time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K S ) of subsequent session S2 for a predetermined number of session times and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0196] Now refer to Figure 2A-2G . Figure 2A Show the user instructions to identify how many shapes have vertical lines

[204] , show the correct shape reference

[202] , and show the slanted lines of incorrect responses reference

[203] . Figure 2B-2G The tasks [220 - 270] can be used via both method algorithms

[300] and

[400] . For example, according to method

[300] , responses are collected

[320] and analyzed

[330] separately after each task / image, collecting and analyzing a total of 6 responses; or, after presenting all tasks / images [220 - 270], a single response is collected and analyzed, requiring the user to continuously count the shapes

[202] with vertical lines in all images / tasks according to method steps

[420] and

[430] of method

[400] .

[0197] According to some embodiments, the response profile includes at least one of the following:

[0198] the correctness of the answer (e.g., correct / incorrect);

[0199] Response quality (e.g., percentage correct); According to some embodiments, the percentage of correct responses is measured for each type of task;

[0200] Response time, ie, the time required to respond to each task; according to some embodiments, the time profile is analyzed for each type of task.

[0201] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring brain signals of the user via an EEG device and analysis thereof. According to some embodiments, the EEG measurement and analysis are provided after the training. According to some embodiments, the EEG measurement and analysis are provided during the training method. According to some embodiments, the EEG measurement and analysis are provided before the training method. According to some embodiments, the EEG measurement and analysis are provided before, during, and / or after the training method.

[0202] According to some embodiments, measured EEG readings and analysis thereof are used to select visual tasks and / or images for at least some of the disclosed methods based on their associated training and / or treatment goals. In such embodiments, the visual tasks and / or images are selected by examining the brain's response to the presentation of the visual tasks and / or images during and / or after presentation and / or long after presentation. In some embodiments, the selection is performed by comparing the readings measured before presentation of the visual tasks and / or images.

[0203] According to some embodiments, each specific user provides measured EEG readings and analysis thereof, and is used to select visual tasks and / or images for training and / or treating said specific user according to the goals of his / her relevant training and / or treatment.

[0204] According to some embodiments, measured EEG readings from more than one subject are provided, and their analysis is provided for use in selecting visual tasks and / or images for training and / or treating any user according to the goals of their relevant training and / or treatment.

[0205] According to some embodiments, the analyzed EEG readings are provided via sensor channels selected from the group consisting of: Fz, P7, P8, O1, O2, and any combination thereof (in Figure 11 ). According to some embodiments, analysis of the readings of channel Fz is configured to assess cognitive processing. According to some embodiments, analysis of the readings of channels P7 and / or P8 is configured to assess visual working memory processing. According to some embodiments, analysis of the readings of channels O1 and / or O2 is configured to assess visual processing.

[0206] According to some embodiments, the measured and / or analyzed EEG readings include frequency power. According to some embodiments, long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power evoked in response to a provided visual task (i.e., a task provided at a training session or other tasks) and / or imagery is measured and / or analyzed via the EEG readings. According to some embodiments, the selection of visual tasks and / or images for eliciting long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power is based on the analysis of the measured EEG readings.

[0207] According to some embodiments, the measured and / or analyzed EEG readings include gamma waves. According to some embodiments, selecting a visual task and / or imagery for eliciting a long-term increase in the power of the brain's gamma waves (as a whole and / or at localized regions of the brain) is based on an analysis of the measured EEG readings.

[0208] According to some embodiments, the measured and / or analyzed EEG readings include a P300 positive brainwave component. According to some embodiments, the selection of a visual task and / or image for amplifying the P300 positive brainwave component is based on the analysis of the measured EEG readings.

[0209] According to some embodiments, the measured and / or analyzed EEG readings include a P300 latency of a brain response. According to some embodiments, selecting a visual task and / or image for shortening the P300 latency of a brain response is based on analyzing the measured EEG readings.

[0210] According to some embodiments, the EEG readings measured and / or analyzed include coherence, which refers to synchronization across brain regions. According to some embodiments, coherence is measured between visual processing areas and cognitive processing areas because coherence levels are related to cognitive processes that require long-range brain network coordination; as shown by the gamma waves in Figure 2 of Changes of Functional and Directed Resting-State Connectivity Are Associated with Neuronal Oscillations, ApoE Genotype and Amyloid Deposition in Mild Cognitive Impairment, Michels et al., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2017).

[0211] According to some embodiments, the EEG coherence between two electrodes measures the similarity or synchrony of the electrical activity at those specific locations in the brain.To ensure accurate coherence estimation of the EEG, some data pre-processing steps may be included.

[0212] A non-limiting example of a coherence calculation includes: First, a cutoff filter is used to remove noise and artifacts, including eye blinks, with a threshold of 180 μV on the average global field potential and an additional 70 μV on the average of the frontal electrodes. The data is then filtered to isolate the desired frequency band of interest (e.g., γ30-50 Hz). The cross-spectral density between the signal inputs from two distant scalp sites (i.e., the Fz electrode in the frontal site and electrodes P7 and P8 in the parietal sites on both sides of the cortex) is then calculated. This accounts for the phase relationship between the two signals. Finally, the coherence value is calculated by dividing the magnitude of the cross-spectral density by the square root of the product of the power spectra of the two signals. This normalization accounts for the difference in total power levels between the two signals. The coherence between two waveforms x and y is spectrally calculated as:

[0213]

[0214] Among them G xy (f) is the average cross power density, and G xx (f) and G yy (f) are the average autopower spectral density (Jiang, Z.yan. Study on EEG power and coherence in patients with mild cognitive impairment during working memory task. J. Zhejiang Univ. Sci. B. 6, 1213–1219; 2005).

[0215] According to some embodiments, the response profile comprises an EEG reading and / or analysis thereof according to any of the methods described above.

[0216] According to some embodiments, the predetermined threshold is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

[0217] the number of scheduled sessions;

[0218] Predetermined levels of response accuracy, response quality, and / or response time; and

[0219] Saturation of the measured brain response levels.

[0220] According to some embodiments, the visual task comprises at least one of: an attention request, a perception task, an object recognition task, a memory task, a facial recognition task, and an emotional motivation task.

[0221] According to some embodiments, the visual task includes distinguishing between target images

[136] and non-target images

[135] displayed, such as in Figure 1B As shown in .

[0222] According to some embodiments, the induction of amplification of the brain's frequency power comprises at least one of:

[0223] Amplification of electrical peaks (e.g., P300b, labeled P3b, Figure 9A 、 Figure 9C );and

[0224] After (post) the visual task was presented, the latency (L) of the brain response was advanced (shortened) (e.g., P300b, labeled P3b, Figure 9A , L post <L pre ).

[0225] According to some embodiments, training a visual task (e.g., Figure 9D to recognize the target image) is selected and configured to respond to at least one new visual task (e.g., Figure 10D The long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power was induced by a new visual task (a passive task in which synchronized motion of images was presented in the training session), which was not presented to the user at the training session; therefore, the training visual task ( Figure 9D ) is configured for a new test vision task ( Figure 10D ) and / or new test visual stimuli induced by the brain's long-term amplification of frequency power.

[0226] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for presenting one or more visual stimuli (e.g., stimulus images) to a user is provided; passive stimulation, without requiring the user to perform any requested task. The method comprises the steps of: providing a user with at least one K S Stimulation session. The visual stimulation is selected to stimulate and / or induce a long-term amplification of brain frequency power in response to at least the provided visual stimulation and optionally also to other visual stimulations. Examples are shown in Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 8A (801), Figure 8B (802), Figure 8C (803) and Figure 8D (804) in.

[0227] According to some embodiments, the visual stimulus (eg, stimulus image) comprises an image having at least one dynamic element; the dynamics being achieved by virtue of the element moving during the presentation. Figure 5A and Figure 5B A visual stimulus with several dynamic images was presented (shown here with arrows indicating the direction of movement of the elements). Figure 5A Synchronized stimulation

[510] is shown according to some embodiments, wherein all elements

[515] move in the same direction and at the same speed. Figure 5B Asynchronous stimulation

[520] according to other embodiments is shown, wherein at least one element

[526] moves in a different direction and / or at a different speed than at least one other element

[525] .

[0228] In accordance with some embodiments, the induced long-term amplification of the brain's frequency power in response to provided visual tasks and / or visual stimulation is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: adverse cognitive response, adverse motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

[0229] According to some embodiments, there is provided a device configured to present an image to a user

[390] , comprising:

[0230] at least one processor

[391] configured to perform the method steps according to any of the above method steps;

[0231] At least one display device

[392] configured to display visual tasks and / or visual stimuli to a user according to any of the above embodiments.

[0232] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one input device configured to collect and interpret a user's response to the displayed image at any given time step (N=K).

[0233] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and any combination thereof.

[0234] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one of: a data storage device for user input and provided analysis

[394] , an input device, a speaker device, a microphone device, a computer mouse.

[0235] Experiments and results

[0236] Now refer to Figures 6A-10D , for at least some of the above methods, present EEG results and analysis.

[0237] Figure 6A Shows the EEG sensor P Z ( Figure 6B ) components of the EEG P300 readings (voltage vs. time) associated with the prefrontal cortex. Readings were measured during the task, such as Figure 6C , the user is asked to identify a shape with a vertical image (the upper image, not the lower image). Figure 6AThe lines in the graph show brain responses; when the user is shown a vertical line (0°), which is 25% of the time in this test, the response is marked with a simple line; when the user is shown a tilted line, which is 75% of the time in this test, the response is marked with a dotted line. Based on the examples shown, one can see that easier decisions, such as no tilt (0°), stimulate the brain more than difficult decisions (tilted). Therefore, brainwaves for non-tilted images ("targets") differ significantly from tilted images and can be used as a measure (marker) of cognitive ability to deploy attention specifically for the task.

[0238] Figures 7A-7H In such Figure 5A and Figure 5B After showing the user a visual stimulus [510, 520], the frequency vs. time and colored amplitude (low = green, high = red) of the EEG analysis is displayed, where each panel shows the results from a different electrode: Figure 7A and Figure 7E Measurements taken via the EEG frontal FZ sensor are shown in Figure 7I ; Figure 7B and Figure 7F Measurements taken via the EEG temporal lobe P8 sensor are shown in Figure 7J ; Figure 7C and Figure 7G Demonstrates measurements taken via EEG MT / V5 PO8 sensor, shown in Figure 7K ;and Figure 7D and Figure 7H The measurements taken via the EEG occipital POZ sensor are shown in Figure 7L ;in:

[0239] - Figures 7A-7D : Demonstrates the user's brain's response to a presented stimulus of a shape with a vertical element

[515] moving synchronously

[510] (left or right);

[0240] - Figure 7E-7H : Demonstrates the user's brain response to the presentation of a stimulus with a shape having vertical elements [515,516] that moves asynchronously

[520] (left or right);

[0241] Thus, one can see that the synchronous movement

[510] ( Figures 7A-7D ) than asynchronous movement

[520] ( Figure 7E-7H ) shows more gamma frequency bands (more red / dark areas), and asynchronous movements are less stimulating to the brain than synchronous movements.

[0242] Figures 8A-8DShown are P300 readouts from EEG analysis: frequency vs. time vs. color amplitude (low = green, high = red), during and after four passive image presentations of visual stimulation (801-804, respectively) to the user (no task). Figure 8C Displaying the stimulus image

[803] elicits a greater gamma frequency than the other images [801, 802, 804]. Image

[803] elicits gamma frequencies in the 40 Hz range and above (Y-axis), thereby inducing higher activity (i.e., more red areas).

[0243] Figures 9A-9D The training visual task and its EEG readings were made public and displayed. A healthy 68-year-old user (without cognitive impairment) was trained via 90 training sessions (15-minute sessions per day). The user was asked to distinguish between shapes with upright images and tilted images, such as Figure 9D middle. Figure 9A Shows the P300 readings measured via the EEG frontal Fz sensor before (dashed line) and after (simple graphical line) training ( Figure 9B shown in ). Figure 9C Demonstrates an increase in the amplitude between the P3b peak and its preceding minimum before and after training. Figure 9A showed a shortening of the incubation period, where L post <L pre , showing that the amplitude of the post-P300a reaches the same peak level of the pre-P300a earlier (about 15 milliseconds) and continues to increase in amplitude.

[0244] Figures 10A-10D Disclosed in the same healthy 68-year-old user Figure 9D The visual training task session was preceded and followed by the visual test stimulus ( Figure 10D ) and their EEG frequency readings. After 90 training sessions (15 minutes per session per day), the user is presented with new unseen visual test stimuli (e.g. Figure 10D middle). Figure 10A Demonstrated via EEGPO Z Sensor-measured frequency measurements before (upper panel) and after (lower panel) training ( Figure 10B shown in ). Figure 10C Gamma frequency integrals are shown, with increases at the 0.7 ms and 1.2 ms time slots (circles; to illustrate the time range of analysis) and between pre- and post-training. As shown in the bar graph (Figure 10c), the gamma frequency band at this time window increased after training.

[0245] Figure 12An example of a visual task including a working memory (WM) task according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is disclosed. In this task, at each time step, one, two, or three colored items (e.g., shapes) are presented in a graph; (4 optional shapes x 6 optional colors). Figure 12 An example of a task timeline is also presented, in which there is only one shape for a set of two presentations (each presentation has a single item). In this example, the user is asked to remember and report whether a specific shape (the "target") of a specific color is displayed; for example, in this example, a red triangle after a set of two presentations. In the timeline shown:

[0246] The red circle (non-target) was displayed for 0.5 seconds and then disappeared;

[0247] Hold the cross for 1.5 seconds as a pause;

[0248] Then the red triangle (target) is displayed for 0.5 seconds and then disappears;

[0249] Hold the cross for 2.5 seconds as the second pause;

[0250] The only question for the user / subject is whether the target appears.

[0251] A similar experiment was conducted with participants (n=12, 6 younger people <40 years old and 6 older people >60 years old) who were instructed to memorize the shape and color of a target image and then report whether they noticed a match. The test (no target) and target were displayed for 0.5 seconds. The color and / or shape of the test were randomly changed. During the shape-color matching task, the test image was displayed using EEG readings were recorded using a 30-channel dry (no gel added) wireless headset operating at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. Time-frequency power analysis was performed on the gamma 30-50 Hz band within a specific time window (~0.5 seconds). EEG coherence was calculated as the normalized cross-gamma power spectrum for each frequency of the signal recorded at the frontal and parietal regions of the scalp. The results are shown in Figures 13-14, which show the results before training; Figures 15-16 show the results before and after training.

[0252] Figure 13A and Figure 13B Results are presented for 12 participants (n=12, 6 younger individuals <40 years and 6 older individuals >60 years) who were presented with a task with one, two, or three items (colored shapes), e.g. Figure 12 As shown in . Figure 13A shows the accuracy (between 0 and 1) and Figure 13BDemonstrating response times measured in milliseconds, as expected, the younger participants showed superior response times and accuracy on the memory tests.

[0253] Figure 14A and Figure 14B For Figure 13A and Figure 13B Results from the same task and participants showed gamma coherence between frontal and parietal sites ( Figure 14A ) and between the two parietal sites across the hemispheres ( Figure 14B ) calculates and analyzes the EEG readings of gamma coherence; where:

[0254] The working memory (WM) load effect is a partial effect of the number of items on coherence.

[0255] The age effect is the partial effect of age group.

[0256] The linear mixed effects (LME) model is particularly useful when dealing with repeated measures and nested data; unlike a two-way ANOVA with two independent variables, it does not assume equal variance across groups. It provides a more realistic representation of the underlying structure in the data and allows for the estimation of both fixed and random effects. It is an extension of the linear regression model that allows the incorporation of both fixed and random effects.

[0257] Fixed effects: These represent group-level effects and are similar to the coefficients in a standard linear regression model. They capture the average relationship between the independent and dependent variables across all levels.

[0258] Random effects: These explain the variability at different levels of the hierarchy. Unlike fixed effects, random effects are considered to be drawn from a larger population and are used to model the variability between different groups or clusters. Random effects are introduced to account for correlation and heterogeneity within groups.

[0259] As presented, the results showed that coherence increased significantly with memory load, and that younger participants (age < 40 years) had significantly higher coherence than older participants (age > 60 years). Significance was assessed using a linear mixed effects model (LME).

[0260] Figures 15A-15H and Figures 16A-16FRelated to the following experiment. In the experiment, the blurred vision training task used was also described in WO2023 / 073715A2. The training consisted of a set of training sessions, each lasting 10-15 minutes, and in each training session there was a set of visual stimulation challenges, in which an 80-year-old (Subject 1) and a 67-year-old (Subject 2) were presented with a first image and a second image shortly thereafter. The two images (first & second) were identical with only one difference: their degree of blur; one of them had a higher degree of blur than the other. The user was asked to specify which image contained a higher degree of blur after being shown the two images. If the user provides a series of correct responses, the blur difference between the two images is reduced (making it more difficult to detect), and the challenges are presented to the user again.

[0261] Before training, the following parameters are measured for each user:

[0262] 1. Accuracy of responses on working memory tests (e.g. Figure 12 );

[0263] 2. The average time it takes users to respond on a working memory test;

[0264] 3. Gamma wave coherence (strength of connectivity) between the visual processing areas of the brain (P7, P8) and the cognitive area of ​​the brain (Fz); and

[0265] 4. P300 (Fz) in cognitive area.

[0266] During training, frequency power (measured in dB of gamma waves in the 30-49 Hz range) was measured in both visual processing areas of the brain (P7, P8) and cognitive areas of the brain (Fz) during more than one visual task challenge, which included the presentation of a first image and a second image shortly thereafter. The two images were defined as having varying degrees of blur difference starting at 10% and going down to 2%. Frequency power was measured within 0.5 seconds after the presentation of the first image in the task (essentially allowing information to be processed by both visual processing points and cognitive processing points (P7, P8 and Fz, respectively). The two images were randomly assigned to a higher or lower degree of blur. As Figure 16E and Figure 16F As shown in Figure 3, for both Subjects 1 and 2 (averaged), the mean frequency power responses at P7+P8 and Fz increased significantly in response to higher levels of ambiguity; gamma power (30-50 Hz) was calculated 0.5 s after the first stimulus (remembering time) and baseline corrected to 0.5 s before stimulus.

[0267] Afterwards, i.e., after the training period, the users were re-evaluated on the following parameters:

[0268] 1. Accuracy of responses on working memory tests;

[0269] 2. The average time it takes users to respond on a working memory test;

[0270] 3. Gamma wave coherence (strength of connectivity) between the visual processing areas of the brain (P7, P8) and the cognitive area of ​​the brain (Fz); and

[0271] 4. P300 (Fz) in cognitive area.

[0272] The training provided a number of improvements to the users. Cognitive abilities increased and / or improved, as demonstrated by greater accuracy in responding on working memory tests, without substantial changes in response time. In addition, there was a significant increase in coherence (strength of connectivity) between the visual processing areas of the brain (P7, P8) and the cognitive areas of the brain (Fz), as shown in Figure 2. Figure 15A For the first subject and Figure 15C In addition, as shown for the second subject. Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown for Subject 1 in , training also had substantial positive effects on P300 in both amplitude and speed.

[0273] Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 15C and Figure 15D Shown are EEG readings of two subjects analyzed for gamma coherence before (line with circles) and after (line with triangles) a blur task training session; an 80-year-old (subject 1, e.g. Figure 15A and Figure 15B ) and a 67-year-old (Subject 2, as shown Figure 15C and Figure 15D As shown in the figure below, the distance between the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe is calculated ( Figure 15A and Figure 15C ) and between the two parietal lobe sites across the hemispheres ( Figure 15B and Figure 15D The results showed higher coherence after training. Figure 15E 、 Figure 15F 、 Figure 15G and Figure 15H demonstrated improvements in their cognitive abilities when performing working memory tests; Figure 15E and Figure 15F demonstrated that their accuracy, and therefore their cognitive abilities, increased and improved; and Figure 15G and Figure 15H Shows their response time in milliseconds.

[0274] Figure 16A and Figure 16B shows the 80-year-old (subject 1) before the ambiguity task training session ( Figure 16A ) and after ( Figure 16B ), in the WM task (similar to Figure 12 Figure 3. Difference in P300 responses (measured via frontal electrodes, Fz) between targets (plain line) and non-targets (dashed line) presented during the task discussed in [ 15 ]. Stimuli were presented at 2000 ms and lasted for 500 ms, so the gray rectangle indicates stimulus duration. Figure 16C and Figure 16D The P300 amplitude of 80-year-old (subject 1) before and after training is shown ( Figure 16C ) and P300 latency ( Figure 16D );and Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, training increased the amplitude of the P300 and shortened its latency.

[0275] Figure 17 Twenty-one (21) participants were presented with a slideshow of cartoon images of animals (0.5 Hz) and asked to report the number of dogs (target images) presented to them at the end of the task.

[0276] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Display via Pz( Figure 18A ) and via Fz( Figure 18B ), during the presentation of targets (simple lines) and non-targets (dashed lines), as in Figure 17 Figure 3. P300 responses measured during the "Counting Dogs" task. The results show that the P300 peak for target responses is larger than the P300 peak for non-target responses. Similar results were found for frontal (Fz) and parietal (Pz) electrodes.

[0277] Various embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of some embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus, some embodiments may be a combination of features of more than one embodiment.

[0278] While certain features of the invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for increasing a user's cognitive ability, the method comprising: Displaying at least one session (S1, S2...S M ), presenting one or more visual training tasks to the user, K S Each session of a visual training task requires one or more responses from the user; wherein the visual training tasks are configured to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least the provided visual training task.

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprises: In K S A given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K) of a session S1 of time steps S ) receiving and / or collecting a response profile of the user to the displayed vision training task displayed at the given time step (N=K); Analyzing the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) of the session S1 and optionally any previous time steps (N < K); Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step (K=K+1) of the session S1 for a predetermined number of times K≤K for the session S1 S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1 further comprises: In the time step (N=K,1≤K≤K S The last time step of session S1 (N=K S ) receives and / or collects the time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K) of session S1 S ) a response profile of the user to a plurality of displayed visual training tasks displayed at ; The analysis is done at the last time step (N=K S ) received from the user's response profile; In the subsequent time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K S ) will display the steps repeated for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein inducing the amplification of the frequency power of the brain comprises increasing the power of gamma waves.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein inducing the amplification of the frequency power of the brain comprises at least one of the following: Amplification of the P300 positive brain wave component; and Shortening the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the visual training task is selected to induce the amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the visual task comprises the display of differentiating a target image and a non-target image.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein in response to the provided visual training task, the induced amplification of the frequency power of the brain is configured to improve the condition of patients suffering from at least one of the following: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination of the above items.

9. The method according to claim 1 further comprises use in the treatment of at least one of the following: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination of the above items.

10. A method for increasing brain coherence between a user's visual area and cognitive area, the method comprising: displaying K via a processor; S At least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps, presenting one or more visual training tasks to the user; wherein, The visual training task is configured to induce an increase in the power of gamma waves in a local area of the brain when reacting to at least the provided visual training task.

11. The method according to claim 10 further comprises: In K S A given time step N (N = K, 1 ≤ K ≤ K) of a session S1 of time steps S ) receiving and / or collecting a response profile of the user to the displayed vision training task displayed at the given time step (N=K); Analyzing the response profile of the user received at the given time step (N = K) of the session S1 and optionally at any previous time steps (N < K); Repeat the display step at a subsequent time step (K=K+1) of the session S1, repeating a predetermined number of times K≤K for the session S1 S and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

12. The method according to claim 10 further comprises: In the time step (N=K,1≤K≤K S The last time step of session S1 (N=K S ) receives and / or collects the time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K) of session S1 S ) a response profile of the user to a plurality of displayed visual training tasks displayed at ; The analysis is done at the last time step (N=K S ) received from the user's response profile; In the subsequent time step N (N=K, 1≤K≤K S ) will display the steps repeated for a predetermined number of sessions and / or until the response profile reaches a predetermined threshold.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the visual training task is further configured to induce at least one of the following: Amplification of the P300 positive brain wave component; and Shortening the P300 latency of the brain response after the user responds to the provided visual training task.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the visual training task is selected to induce the amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to at least one visual test task and / or test stimulus not provided to the user by the method.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the induced amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to the provided visual training task is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising use in treating at least one of subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

17. A method for improving a user's cognitive ability, the method comprising: S Each of the training stimulus images in at least one session (S1, S2...S M ) method steps, presenting one or more training stimulus images to the user; wherein the training stimulus images are configured to induce frequency power amplification in the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulus images.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein inducing amplification of the frequency power of the brain comprises increasing the power of the gamma waves.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein inducing amplification of frequency power in the brain comprises at least one of: Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and Shorten the P300 latency of the brain response after the training stimulus image is provided.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the training stimulus images are selected to induce amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least test images and / or test visual stimuli not provided to the user by the method.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the induced amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to the provided visual stimulation is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising use in treating at least one of subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

23. A method for increasing brain coherence between visual and cognitive areas of a user, the method comprising presenting one or more training stimulus images via a processor-implemented display method step, presenting K to the user S At least one session (S1, S2...S M );in, The training stimulation images are configured to induce an increase in the power of gamma waves in a local area of ​​the brain in response to at least the provided training stimulation images.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the training stimulus image is further configured to induce at least one of the following: Amplification of the P300 positive brainwave component; and After the user is exposed to the provided visual training stimulus, the P300 latency of the brain response is shortened.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the visual training stimulus is selected to induce an amplification of frequency power in the brain in response to at least one test image and / or test visual stimulus not presented to the user by the method.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the induced amplification of the frequency power of the brain in response to the provided training stimulus image is configured to improve the condition of a patient suffering from at least one of: subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising use in treating at least one of subnormal cognitive response, subnormal motor response, Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, dyslexia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and any combination thereof.

28. A device configured to present an image to a user, comprising: at least one processor configured to perform the method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 27; At least one display device configured to display the visual task and / or stimulus image to the user.

29. The device of claim 28, further comprising at least one input device configured to collect and interpret the user's response to the displayed image at any given time step (N=K).

30. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a device selected from the group consisting of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and any combination thereof.

31. The device of claim 28, further comprising at least one of: a data storage device for the user's input and provided analysis, an input device, a speaker device, a microphone device, a computer mouse.

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