Nature
Article

Nature

How flashing lights, pink noise or other non-invasive approaches to taming brainwaves might one day turn into treatments for neurodegenerative disease.

Helen Thomson
Nature, 2018
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

For decades, scientists have struggled to find treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. In this article, science journalist Helen Thomson introduces readers to the exciting new world of wave therapy, or brainwave manipulation, which one day might be able to treat conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, insomnia or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. getAbstract recommends this article to anyone interested in non-pharmacological treatments that promote neurological and mental health.

Summary

Brainwaves are patterns of electrical activity generated by groups of neurons firing in synchrony.

It is widely accepted that certain types of brainwaves are associated with specific mental states like deep sleep or intense concentration. However, the exact role of brainwaves in brain function and disease remains unknown.

So far, research suggests that certain types of brainwaves are important for helping us remember information. Furthermore, disorders like Alzheimer’s are associated with changes in brainwave...

About the Author

Helen Thomson is a science journalist with an MSc in science communication from Imperial College London. She is the author of Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World’s Strangest Brains. 

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