New Hope for Those Suffering from Chemo Brain or Cognitive Impairment

Zengar Institute, Inc. today announced the results of a new peer-reviewed study measuring the effects of NeurOptimal^® Neurofeedback on patients suffering post-cancer cognitive impairment (PCCI) or “chemo-brain”. The research, conducted by the Applied Brain Research Foundation of Ohio, reported a 91% success rate for PCCI patients using NeurOptimal^® Neurofeedback’s brain training system. 21 of the 23 participants in the study reported a complete reversal of the cognitive impairment or “mental fog” commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments.

The results of the study were published online April 12, 2013 in Integrative Cancer Therapies, a professional research journal: “Almost everyone improved and returned to normal levels. That was surprising and gratifying”, research director Jean Alvarez told The Cleveland Plain Dealer earlier this week. The neurofeedback system’s designer, Zengar Institute, Inc. released a statement through Operations Director, Samantha Diavatis, “The results are exciting, but behind the numbers is the fact that our system provided real relief for people struggling with cognitive impairment.”

As many as 70% of patients who undergo treatment for cancer experience diminished cognitive function side effects, including impaired memory, loss of verbal fluidity, or increased anxiety or depression. While the cause of PCCI is largely unknown, chemo brain has become a subject of growing interest within the medical community.

The NeurOptimal^® neurofeedback system used in the study was not altered or customized to treat chemo brain specifically, nor does the training software target specific neural areas to ‘fix’ cognitive performance problems. Instead, the unique NeurOptimal^® program prompts the brain’s own natural resources to self-correct any impairment, regardless of cause.  As a result, NeurOptimal^® neurofeedback can be effective across a broad range of conditions and complaints beyond chemo brain.

The 23 study participants – women aged 43 to 70 who had all undergone previous treatment for breast cancer  – received neurofeedback sessions twice a week for 10 weeks.  Changes in sleep quality, cognitive function and energy levels were monitored and recorded. At the end of the study, test results showed 21 of the 23 participants experienced a reversal of their cognitive impairment. Zengar Institute, Inc. Director Samantha Diavatis added: “The fact that Dr. Alvarez’s results were run through a rigorous peer-review system is further proof that NeurOptimal^® is a superior neurofeedback system.”