Neurofeedback training for elderly with increased stress level

Abstract

Stress is a psychophysiological condition of the elderly people which leads to progressive mental illness and exacerbate health conditions. Though there are many antidepressants to suppress stress, it may also cause obnoxious effect in them. Neurofeedback [NFB] training is an alternative method to retain their independence by improving their cognitive performance. Our cognitive training aims in improving its flexibility and resilience by designing a in-house neurofeedback system. 12 participants competing with increased stress level in the age group of 50–70 years are taken into consideration based on the General Anxiety Disorder [GAD] score. Our NFB training protocol aims to enhance the beta activity and selectively decrease the theta activity. 40–45 sessions are carried out for substantial and efficient results. As the training progresses, the threshold level set in the training is increased. Though the threshold is augmented the participants are able to successfully complete the session.GAD score is also decreased which confirms the reduced stress level. The proposed NFB method paves a way to manage and reduce their stress in an effective way.