Researchers say the technology could one day be used at home, and enhance memory function in people at risk for dementia.
Though both the study's authors and outside experts say that more work is needed before people could go out and use such a device, there's an air of excitement around the results.
As people begin to live longer, the approach could become an important tool to protect or even enhance memory in older adults, said senior study author Robert Reinhart, a neuroscientist at Boston University. The people with the worst cognitive function coming into the experiment showed the most improvement during the intervention and one month later, the researchers said, adding that that mayReinhart noted that the research is still in its early stages.
The study's authors said that they did not observe any serious adverse effects over the course of the study. There are already similar devices sold at brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers, like Amazon, he said, but none have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for memory improvement and may not work as advertised.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brain stimulation boosts memory for a monthScientists will look at whether diseases such as Alzheimer's can be alleviated using the same method.
Read more »
Electrical currents to the brain improve memory for older adults, study findsIt helps both working and long-term memory.
Read more »
How Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder May Contribute to Superior MemoryResearch is still growing around Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, but one study possibly links OCD to the impressive recall.
Read more »
Where I Work: Del Bravo Record ShopIrma Gutierrez grew up in the Westside record shop her parents opened in 1966. She loves helping customers find music tied to memories.
Read more »