Remote Neurofeedback for Healthy Aging
As awareness around Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline grows, June marks an important moment to spotlight proactive steps individuals can take to support lifelong brain health. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2025), nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. While there is no known cure, a growing body of research supports lifestyle interventions that may help delay or reduce cognitive decline.
Clinicians are increasingly exploring complementary brain training tools like neurofeedback and biofeedback. These non-invasive techniques offer a way to reinforce healthier brainwave patterns through real-time feedback. Neurofeedback has shown promise in helping improve attention, working memory, and emotional regulation, all of which are foundational to cognitive performance in older adults (Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2019).
Early Signs of Alzheimer's and Cognitive Decline with EEG
While intervention is often emphasized after cognitive symptoms appear, clinicians are beginning to pay more attention to the role EEG can play in early detection. EEG-based assessment allows for the identification of subtle changes in brainwave activity that may precede noticeable cognitive decline. Abnormalities in specific frequency bands, such as reduced alpha or increased delta power, have been observed in individuals at risk for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer’s (Tazaki, 2024).
Routine EEG evaluations in older adults can serve as a non-invasive baseline measure, offering clinicians insight into whether the brain is showing early deviations from normative patterns. These insights may inform further assessments, referrals, or the early introduction of brain training protocols aimed at reinforcing cognitive resilience. Incorporating EEG data into annual wellness check-ins or cognitive health screenings can provide a richer, more nuanced picture of brain function over time.
For practitioners working in integrative or preventative care models, the inclusion of EEG-based early detection strategies aligns with the broader shift toward proactive, personalized care in aging populations.
What Neurofeedback Offers for Cognitive Support
Neurofeedback involves monitoring a person’s brainwave activity using EEG sensors, then providing feedback (visual, auditory, or game-based) that helps the individual learn to self-regulate. It is a form of non-pharmacological intervention that has been deemed quite effective in building cognitive resilience and improving brain health by many clinicians. For aging adults, neurofeedback protocols often focus on stabilizing attention, improving relaxation, and increasing mental clarity. Some studies suggest neurofeedback may help improve executive function and memory performance when used consistently over time (Viviani and Vallesi, 2021).
Clinicians working with aging adults often apply targeted neurofeedback and biofeedback protocols to address common wellness goals. For stress, alpha or SMR-based training paired with breathing techniques like box breathing or the physiological sigh can promote calm and resilience. Sleep support may involve theta-oriented protocols or tools like yoga nidra and 4-7-8 breathing. To improve attention, protocols such as alpha down at Pz or SMR up at Cz are combined with practices like breath of fire or mindfulness. These approaches help reinforce the brain’s natural plasticity and support better day-to-day function as clients age.
Bringing Brain Training into the Home with Divergence Neuro
Divergence Neuro offers a remote neurofeedback and biofeedback platform designed specifically for clinicians, coaches, and therapists. Its system enables professionals to monitor brain activity and deliver personalized protocols while clients train from home. This flexibility removes barriers for older adults who may face transportation issues or live in underserved areas with limited access to mental health services.
The platform is reliable, scalable, and cost-effective, removing the need for bulky in-office equipment while still delivering clinical-quality data. Therapists retain full oversight, reviewing EEG session results, adjusting training thresholds, and guiding progress as clients move through cognitive wellness goals. For aging adults and caregivers looking for proactive tools, this model provides structured brain support in a familiar, accessible format.
As we recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, it’s important to consider the full range of options that support cognitive function and overall wellbeing. Whether it’s getting more sleep, connecting with others, or working with a professional using neurofeedback, building a daily routine that supports brain health can make a real difference in aging well.
How Can I Learn More
If you would like to learn more about how to use neurofeedback to help your patients and clients improve their cognitive function and delay cognitive decline, get in touch with us using the form below.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2025). Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
Enriquez-Geppert, S., Huster, R. J., & Herrmann, C. S. (2019). EEG-Neurofeedback as a tool to modulate cognition and behavior: A review tutorial. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 51. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00051/full
Tazaki, M. (2024). A review: Effects of neurofeedback on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1331436
Viviani, G., & Vallesi, A. (2021). EEG-neurofeedback and executive function enhancement in healthy adults: A systematic review. Psychophysiology, 58(9), e13874. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.13874
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