Brain Computer Interface
What if we could control devices with thought alone? Brain computer interface is bringing this possibility to reality along with hope for neurodegenerative diseases by changing the brains physiology.
Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimers, and multiple sclerosis account for 6.8 million deaths per year (WHO, 2007). With little to no known cures for many of these diseases, scientists have turned towards a new technology, one that is trained to mimic the CNS. Using electrodes to read brain signals, it generates outputs based on the individuals intentions.
BCI's can be worn like an EEG cap or implanted, as seen with Elon Musk's Neuralink. Both record electrical flow, brain waves, and synaptic excitations which is helpful as neurodegenerative diseases give off different waves (Lindquist, 2024).
The information gathered from both forms is used to enhance connectivity in the areas of the brain affected by the disorder and has shown positive results among patients experiencing Schizophrenia (Ruiz, 2013). BCI has shown to increase synaptic plasticity with only an hour of use (Nierhaus, 2019), and allows patients to observe how their thoughts and behaviors impact their brains connectivity and physiology in real time. During therapy, patients complete activities on a screen with only their brains while also seeing their brains reactions. This gives the patient coping techniques on how they can affect their brains physiology on their own. On another note, the information gathered can also help those with damage to areas of the body and with movement of prosthetic limbs.
This is a really interesting topic for me that I have increasingly looked at because I used to go with my brother to his BCI therapy after school everyday. He wore an EEG cap and the doctor had him move things on a screen and play video games with his brain to treat his neurodegenerative disorder. I also use a machine called NeurOptimal to retrain my brain.
The system, while very effective for many disorders, still has flaws and opens the discussion for data privacy, how data will be used, and additionally what control the individual will have if they choose an implant form. If you have time check out Pager the monkey he's my favorite to show when I talk about BCI.
I didn't want to crowd the blog above, so here are my works cited:
ReplyDeleteLindquist, S. B. (2024, July 31). Mayo Clinic Minute: Using AI and brain waves for early diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases - Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-using-ai-and-brain-waves-for-early-diagnosis-of-neurodegenerative-diseases/#:~:text=%22Patients%20with%20cognitive%20problems%2C%20like,Jones%20says.
Nierhaus T;Vidaurre C;Sannelli C;Mueller KR;Villringer A;, T. (2019, November 6). Immediate brain plasticity after one hour of brain-computer interface (BCI). The Journal of physiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31696938/
Ruiz, Sergio, et al. “Abnormal Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia and Fmri-Brain-Computer Interface as a Potential Therapeutic Approach.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 5 Mar. 2013, www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00017/full.
World Health Organization. (2007, February 27). Neurological disorders affect millions globally: Who report. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/27-02-2007-neurological-disorders-affect-millions-globally-who-report
From BCI therapy to visualizing our brain activity, I find this technology very interesting and empowering for patients since for any disease, having some control over a disorder, including a deeper understanding of a condition, can be uplifting in a situation that initially seemed hopeless. This technology seems widespread for potentially many neurological disorders, and it can provide us with a better foundation to map out more of the human brain. Moreover, this therapy sounds very interactive, which allows for stronger patient-physician relationships and opportunities to learn about our physiology in an accessible manner. Previously, when I had a couple EEG exams performed on me, I wish I would have been able to visualize my brain activity, so it is amazing that as this technology advances, other patients can have this amazing opportunity later on.
ReplyDeleteI am sure it is hard for an individual with a disorder who feels and experiences little to no control over. I am sure it is a huge driving reason for how these researchers and scientists find passion in the study. My brothers doctor was very passionate in giving him control over his disorder a disorder I had had the notion was out of ones control.
DeleteI think it is so incredible that technology has advanced in ways that have allowed us to map out brain activity and record electrical flow and brain waves. Whenever researching neurodegenerative diseases, one of the main things discussed is that most of these diseases have no cure. As such, I have not considered how technology can be used to enhance connectivity in affected areas as well as provide patients with coping techniques. Despite neurodegenerative diseases being permanent and incurable, there are still technologies and ways to manage/treat these conditions, which is why I enjoyed reading your post and learning about BCI. Moreover, I appreciated the link about Pager the Monkey because it allowed me to better understand how the BCI works. I was particularly interested in how BCI can be used to manage paralysis by enabling a person to use a computer with their brain activity alone, which can help people with paralysis regain movement. Overall, thank you for discussing the BCI and for sharing your and your brother’s experiences of using technology to treat/train the brain.
ReplyDeleteI also ultimately thought about drugs in terms of treating neurodegenerative diseases for a long time until I fully understood BCI. It is a really fantastic approach to treating these disorders and gives a new lens of how to think and go about treating them. It doesn't necessarily need to be a drug treatment/cure. I am glad you liked the topic. I also enjoyed yours!
DeleteThis technology is absolutely exciting and promising for those who suffer from such diseases. I have family members and no others who have had to deal with such afflictions, so it's very hopeful knowing that there's inspiring and promising research to help those who really need it. I've also been very worried about this technology because the human brain has not been fully mapped in terms what what area affects certain behaviors, but this technology can absolutely benefit researches who are trying to map the brain. The rapid rate at which this improves synaptic plasticity is very interesting to me as it would aid in creating new dendritic spines to improve these connections. Finally, thank you for sharing this article and your story. Promising treatments to come!
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DeleteTotally agree, I am grateful that this technology is out there and becoming increasingly more accessible for those that have been diagnosed with a disorder that doesn't have a lot of great treatment options. Part of the reason I fell in love with neuroscience and chose it as one of my majors is because of how cool plasticity is. I really enjoy learning about topics that alter and affect our brains plasticity.
DeleteI have always found this technology so fascinating, and I am always just so stunned at how many things in the brain that it can help. I know a veteran at home who is a quadruple amputee after being in an explosion in Afghanistan, and he has multiple prosthetics that he wears. The one on his right hand, specifically, can be spun around and the fingers can open and close, and so I wonder if he used BCI to control those. I was also at a conference at CU Anschutz for the anesthesiology department where the keynote speaker was talking about using deep brain stimulation, a seemingly similar technic, to wake up patients faster from anesthesia than letting it naturally wear off. He also talked about how this could help with drug overdoses as well. There just seems like there is a lot that increasing electrical signals in the brain can help with.
ReplyDeleteHere is a study I found that was conducted by the keynote speaker that I heard named Ken Solt:
Vincent, K. F., Zhang, E. R., Cho, A. J., Risako Kato-Miyabe, Mallari, O. G., Moody, O. A., Obert, D. P., Park, G. H., & Solt, K. (2024). Electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area restores consciousness from sevoflurane-, dexmedetomidine-, and fentanyl-induced unconsciousness in rats. Brain Stimulation, 17(3), 687–697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.05.012
I love that you enjoy this technology and area of science as much as I do! It amazes me that science can be used to help individuals like your friend who fought for us. Thank you for the study, I will take a look :).
DeleteI never heard about BCI technology before, but it’s interesting to learn about its potential to transform treatment for neurological disorders. The video of monkey is really helpful resource for me to understand how it work. The idea of directly interfacing with the brain to change its physiology is exciting, and it could make a huge difference for many people dealing with these conditions. Thank you for sharing your personal experience it’s such a powerful example. My sister recently had an EEG exam, and it made me curious to see how thoughts and behaviors impact brain connectivity. I believe BCI will continue to develop and help people who are needed.
ReplyDeleteI think it is really cool we are at that point in time where we really get to see this kind of technology take off and find its place. I am excited to see where it goes and how it helps. I love the monkey video its a really cute video. Thanks for showing interest in my topic!
DeleteThat is super cool that we could continue studies to use tech to enhance our Abilities with neurodegenerative disorders as we do with amputee mechanical arms that do similar movements that this type of neurotech can do. I'm curious to see if this can allow people to overcome paralysis!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely incredible! It is honestly super exciting the direction to this type of technology is heading because it is truly opening a path for more opportunities for individuals with neurological disorders. Do you know if parameters have to be adjusted as the person grows up if that makes sense or does it remain constant throughout a person's life?
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