# Tuning Up Memory-related Brain Potentials using Real-time Neurofeedback in Older Veterans"

> **NIH VA I21** · VA MEDICAL CENTER - LEXINGTON, KY · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Military deployment is associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Combat stress related memory deficits has been well documented. Mild cognitive impairment
such as memory deficits are the most common and earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
and related dementia (ADRD). The complaints about declined memory are common in healthy
and cognitively intact civilian older adults, but less understood in aging combat veterans. Brain
training strategies to enhance cognitive skills and especially memory processes are unmet
needs in aging combat veterans who are at additional risk for MCI induced by ADRD. Since
currently there is no effective drug treatment to stop cognitive decline, noninvasive brain training
to boost memory functions in older veterans is an increasingly attractive option to attenuating
decline in memory.
 The proposed project is poised to investigate state-of-art neurofeedback (NF;
biofeedback of brain activity) training for self-modulation of neural plasticity to boost memory
performance in veterans. The recent advance of NF with Brian-Computer Interface (BCI) has
provided a novel way to examine brain functions and plasticity. Thus far, there has been limited
application in developing effective experimental and clinical paradigms for rehabilitation in
veterans. Historically, brainwave patterns during memory task performance have been
analyzed offline, a methodology which does not allow real-time NF modulation and training.
The proposed project is poised to investigate state-of-art neurofeedback (NF; biofeedback of
brain activity) training for self-modulation of neural plasticity to boost memory performance in
veterans. The central hypothesis guiding this research is that optimal memory-related brainwave
patterns of a veteran can be trained. The online NF allows maximization of brainwave patterns
associated with healthier memory states.
 The development of efficient NF paradigms to augment memory performance is an
important first step for the application of this nonpharmacologic intervention to improve combat
veterans’ memory functions and potential for treating MCI due to mild TBI or pain. We will use
state-of-the-art wearable wireless brain-computer interface headset, which is affordable and can
be easily set up in VAMCs and eventually in remote assessment settings. This innovative,
cognitive neuroscience based, nonpharmacologic intervention serves to revolutionize the
diagnosis and treatment of combat veterans who are at risk for degenerative dementia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10015496
- **Project number:** 1I21RX003173-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VA MEDICAL CENTER - LEXINGTON, KY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yang Jiang
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-10-01 → 2022-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10015496

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10015496, Tuning Up Memory-related Brain Potentials using Real-time Neurofeedback in Older Veterans" (1I21RX003173-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10015496. Licensed CC0.

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