Tapping Into The Potentials Of Brain Connectivity

The brain is a complex lattice of interconnected neurons and glial cells that act in unison, relying on electricity and chemistry to convey signals that run our vital systems and comprise our consciousness and thought.

For many years, neuroscientists have looked into the cacophony of signals that makes up the human brain. Such research aided the search for answers, such as where human consciousness lies. Findings drawn from these studies can also yield invaluable insight into the underlying causes of cognitive, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders, which in turn can be used to help patients manage or overcome these issues. These also inform both novel and established neurological technologies prioritizing cognitive repair.

Image source: jonlieffmd.com

Making sense of the seemingly tangled mess of connections requires mapping the human brain. This is no small task: the human brain contains over 100 billion neurons of several fundamental types. Most of these neural connections cannot be directly detected without the aid of a microscope, but a general if incomplete picture can be made of some of the brain's activity through current imaging techniques.

In addition, what we know of mental connections can also complicate matters greatly. Longer connections cost more energy to maintain, thus the brain frequently relies on several shorter, constantly shifting connections.

Image source: jonlieffmd.com

Moreover, our brains are resilient. Even in the face of trauma, connections can and are rerouted by the brain, bringing with them the potential to rewire the organ or to restore lost or hindered functions. As our understanding of the brain grows, so does the sophistication of cognitive techniques for training these connections, treating neurocognitive disorders, and improving key functions like memory.

Dr. Curtis Cripe's studies in neurofeedback are the groundwork for NTLgroup®'s neuroengineered cognitive repair. For more on his company's work, visit this website.

Tapping Into The Potentials Of Brain Connectivity

The brain is a complex lattice of interconnected neurons and glial cells that act in unison, relying on electricity and chemistry to convey signals that run our vital systems and comprise our consciousness and thought.

Image source: jonlieffmd.com

For many years, neuroscientists have looked into the cacophony of signals that makes up the human brain. Such research aided the search for answers, such as where human consciousness lies. Findings drawn from these studies can also yield invaluable insight into the underlying causes of cognitive, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders, which in turn can be used to help patients manage or overcome these issues. These also inform both novel and established neurological technologies prioritizing cognitive repair.

Making sense of the seemingly tangled mess of connections requires mapping the human brain. This is no small task: the human brain contains over 100 billion neurons of several fundamental types. Most of these neural connections cannot be directly detected without the aid of a microscope, but a general if incomplete picture can be made of some of the brain's activity through current imaging techniques.

In addition, what we know of mental connections can also complicate matters greatly. Longer connections cost more energy to maintain, thus the brain frequently relies on several shorter, constantly shifting connections.

Moreover, our brains are resilient. Even in the face of trauma, connections can and are rerouted by the brain, bringing with them the potential to rewire the organ or to restore lost or hindered functions. As our understanding of the brain grows, so does the sophistication of cognitive techniques for training these connections, treating neurocognitive disorders, and improving key functions like memory.

Image source: jonlieffmd.com

Dr. Curtis Cripe's studies in neurofeedback are the groundwork for NTLgroup®'s neuroengineered cognitive repair. For more on his company's work, visit this website.

Sharpening the mind: The best foods for the brain

There are various reasons for people to be watchful of their dietary intake, with most of them citing weight management as the primary reason for doing so. But it is also important to understand that mental health is as important as physical health. The brain requires certain nutrients to ensure that the wellness of the brain is optimized and odds of developing mental illnesses are minimized.
Some of the nutrients the brain needs are the following:

Antioxidants
One of the major causes of brain deterioration is free radicals, as the oxidative damage it generates can not only produce cancer and other diseases, but it also quickens aging. There are many sources of antioxidants, such as nuts, tomatoes, dark red and purple fruits, such as blueberries and blackcurrant, cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, and even wine or champagne.

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Essential fatty acids
There are many essential fatty acids (EFA) that enhance brain health. One of the most effective of which are omega-3 fats that are naturally produced by sardines, salmon, mackerel, trout, and other oily fish. Ground flaxseed, soya beans, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources of EFA, including alpha-linolenic acid.

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B vitamins
B vitamins are called “happy vitamins” or “anti-stress vitamins” for a good reason. B6, B12, and folic acids are known to improve one’s moods, increase stress resilience, and prevent mental illnesses. Leafy greens, chicken, egg, particularly the yolk, whole grains, and lentils are rich sources of different types of vitamin B.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D. is the director of research and development of NTLgroup®. The firm specializes in the development and implementation of neuroengineering programs that aim to improve brain health and heal and repair neurological disorders. Find out more about the company by visiting its official website.

Augmenting Cognitive Neurodevelopmental Training With a Lens Unit

LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is a form of brainwave biofeedback that was developed in the early ‘90s by Northern California psychologist Len Ochs.  The system was an alternative to medications that were used to treat brain-based problems.  It was also used to supplement psychotherapy.

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Prior to the creation of LENS, traditional neurofeedback needed the participant to actively attempt to understand the feedback shown to him and try to regulate his own brainwaves.  But with the groundbreaking neurofeedback system in its stead, the participant will only need to sit comfortably in front of the equipment consisting of a computer with installed LENS software and an electroencephalogram (EEG) box.

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Electrodes with conductive paste are attached to the scalp to measure brainwave activity and deliver treatment at the same time.  What results is a more efficient – in terms of both time and money – and painless procedure for treating brain-based problems.

LENS has been effective as an adjunct to cognitive neurodevelopmental training, as evidenced by a study by Dr. Curtis Cripe.  Patients with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and mild head injuries were treated with specific procedures that were augmented with a LENS unit.

The study illustrated that LENS training, due to its facilitative effects, enabled the patients to engage actively in neurocognitive and neuro-rehabilitation exercises, which accelerated their progress, reduced treatment time, and allowed them to regain normal functioning of the brain systems.

 

Neuroengineer Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., boasts of a diverse multidisciplinary professional and academic background, having worked in different industries, including aerospace, engineering, software development, bioengineering, addiction recovery, psychophysiology, psychology, and child neurodevelopment.  For more on his career, visit this LinkedIn profile.

Complete Brain Function Analysis With Neurocodex®

"Knowing is half the battle,” is a statement made popular by G.I. Joe. The first step in solving a problem is understanding its nature. This is also true in treating brain processing issues and dysfunctions.

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A complete cognitive development and rehabilitation program can address dysfunctions. But before doing so, it is best to understand the specific neurodevelopment or neurofunction deficits through a complete cognitive function analysis system called NeuroCodeX®, a proprietary program of NTLgroup®.

NeuroCodeX® integrates traditional neuropsychological measures into modern methods of measuring the participant’s neuro-electric brainwave activities, mental capabilities, brain development, cognitive function performance, and brain system connections. These assessments are compared to age-appropriate and peer-determined normalized databases.

Evidence-based instruments and tools are used in the analysis, as well as the latest neuro-imaging techniques.

This holistic, integrated approach assesses more than 300 dimensions of brain activities, which include intellectual, emotional, attention, and concentration abilities, and the regulation and speed of the brain processes.

Analysis is not limited to the individual’s personality and skill levels. Also taken into consideration are the effects of the environment and social interaction on the participant’s cognitive functions.

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By taking such an exhaustive “snapshot,” the brain issues can be solved at the root. It provides a way to identify the underlying causes of dysfunction, and target them with a personalized treatment program.

Neuroengineer Curtis Cripe uses his diverse multidisciplinary professional and academic background in heading the research and development initiatives of NTLgroup®. The company uses neuroengineering technology and programs to repair brain dysfunctions suffered by adults and children alike. Learn more by visiting this website.