Alpha Brain Research Articles

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study with anapsos in senile dementia: Effects on cognition, brain bioelectrical activity and cerebral hemodynamics

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two doses of anapsos in comparison with placebo on cognitive performance, brain bioelectrical activity pattern and cerebral hemodynamic parameters in patients with mild to moderate senile dementia of vascular type and Alzheimer type. Forty-five patients (age 73.8 +/- 7.6 years; range 56-89 years) with mild to moderate senile dementia (Global Deterioration Scale: stages 3-5) of the vascular (VD; n = 22) or the Alzheimer type (AD; n = 23) were included in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. After a 2-week period of drug washout, patients were treated with placebo (n = 15; age 72.7 +/- 7.5 years), 360 mg/day of anapsos (n = 15; age 75.5 +/- 7.2 years), or 720 mg/day of anapsos (n = 15; age 73 +/- 7.7 years) for 4 weeks (28 days). At baseline and after the 4-week period of double-blind treatment, cognitive performance, brain bioelectrical activity power and blood flow hemodynamics in the middle cerebral arteries were evaluated with ADAScog, brain mapping and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. Patients receiving 360 mg/day of anapsos showed a significant improvement in cognitive performance after treatment (ADAScog scores: p < 0.05) that was not observed in patients treated with placebo or 720 mg/day of anapsos. As compared to placebo, anapsos (360 mg/day) induced a significant improvement in ADAScog scores in mild senile dementia patients (p < 0.01) and in the subset of patients with AD (p < 0.05). Anapsos (360 mg/day) also increased cerebral blood flow velocities in left and right middle cerebral arteries in the subgroup of AD patients, whereas with the dose of 720 mg/kg this increase was only observed in the left side. Patients treated with anapsos (360 mg/day) showed a decrease in relative delta power and an increase in relative theta and alpha brain bioelectrical activity frequencies, indicating an acceleration of the EEG pattern. The present results show that anapsos (360 mg/day) improves cognitive performance, cerebral blood perfusion and brain bioelectrical activity in patients with senile dementia. These effects of anapsos were more marked in demented patients with mild mental deterioration and/or with dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Effects of body–mind training and relaxation stretching on persons with chronic toxic encephalopathy

The purpose of this project was to investigate the psychological and physical effects of training of body awareness and slow stretching on persons with chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE). In the present study, a method of self-regulation, a body–mind training, is presented. The body–mind training used was a guided relaxation technique combined with meditative stretching. The techniques are introduced and the psychological and physiological effects of the training is presented. Eight subjects with CTE, 48.5 years, were trained for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were percentage alpha brain waves (alpha%), electromyography (EMG) on the frontalis muscle, state–trait anxiety (STAI), creativity (RAT), and mood measured as anxiousness, humour and mental fatigue. The mean alpha% increased 52% during the training period ( P<0.01), and the EMG decreased 31% ( P<0.001. State anxiety decreased 22% during the training period ( P<0.01), but no changes were observed in trait anxiety and in the creativity score. The level of anxiousness and fatigue before a training session decreased during the training period. In conclusion, the body–mind training resulted in an improved ability for physical and mental relaxation as indicated from the lower EMG, the higher alpha% and the decrease in state anxiety.

Modulation of serum testosterone and autonomic function through stimulation of the male human vomeronasal organ (VNO) with pregna-4,20-diene-3,6-dione

In mammals, external chemosensory signals from conspecifics of the opposite sex acting on vomeronasal organ receptors can modulate the release of gonadotropins. There is developmental, anatomical and functional evidence showing that the human vomeronasal organ (VNO) has the characteristics of a chemosensory organ. We have been using naturally occurring human pheromones to serve as models for designing novel synthetic compounds that we call vomeropherins 2 Vomeropherin: Chemosensory substance whose effect is mediated through the vomeronasal organ (VNO). 2 . In previous publications we reported that vomeropherin pregna-4,20-diene-3,6-dione (PDD) delivered to the VNO of normal female and male human volunteers significantly affected male subjects only, decreasing respiration and cardiac frequency, augmenting alpha brain waves, and significantly decreasing serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Results of the present work confirm that PDD produces a local dose-dependent effect in the male human VNO. This is followed by a mild parasympathomimetic effect characterized by 10% increase of vagal tone, together with decreased frequency of electrodermal activity events. Furthermore, PDD locally delivered to the male human VNO significantly decreases serum LH and testosterone ( p<0.01). The present results contribute additional evidence supporting the functionality of the human VNO and its repercussions in autonomic and psychophysiological functions, as well as in neuroendocrine secretions.

Isolation of alpha and beta brain tubulin subunits after alkaline treatment of the protein.

We demonstrate here that brain purified tubulin can be dissociated into alpha and beta subunits at pH > 10 and that the subunits can be separated by using the Triton X-114 phase separation system. After phase partition at pH > 10, alpha tubulin but not beta tubulin behaves as a hydrophobic compound appearing in the detergent rich phase. After three extractions of the alkaline aqueous phase with Triton X-114, about 90% of the alpha tubulin was recovered in the detergent rich phase. The hydrophobic behavior observed for alpha tubulin after its dissociation at pH 11.5 was not due to an irreversible change of the protein, because when the detergent rich phase containing alpha tubulin was diluted with a buffer solution at pH 7.3 and the solution allowed to partition again, alpha-tubulin is recovered in the aqueous phase. The detergent in the aqueous phase of the alpha and beta tubulin preparations can be removed up to 90% by 12 h dialysis. The alpha and beta subunits of tubulin from kidney and liver behave, in this phase separation system, like those of brain tubulin.

Blinking, alpha brain waves and smoking in schizophrenia

Blink rates (BR) and alpha brain waves were studied in 13 schizophrenic and 13 healthy smokers under conditions of smoking deprivation as well as smoking saturation and under different task conditions of smooth pursuit eye movements. Task conditions significantly changed BR and alpha power; smoking enhanced BR and alpha frequency, the latter effect being especially pronounced in schizophrenics for F3-F4 leadings. Concerning BR, groups differed significantly as long as smoking quantity was not statistically controlled. BR, alpha power and smoking quantity were consistently correlated above chance levels. Results are discussed with respect to the blink alpha neurocircuit model.

Characterization of calcium binding to brain spectrin.

Brain spectrin alpha and beta chains bind 45Ca2+, as shown by the calcium overlay method. Flow dialysis measurements revealed eight high affinity binding sites/tetramer that comprise two binding components (determined by nonlinear regression analysis). The first component has one or two sites (kd = 2-30 x 10(-8) M), depending on the ionic strength of the binding buffer, with the remaining high affinity sites in the second component (kd = 1-3 x 10(-6) M). In addition, there is a variable, low affinity binding component (n = 100-400, kd = 1-2 x 10(-4) M). Magnesium inhibits calcium binding to the low affinity sites with a K1 = 1.21 mM. Proteolytic fragments from trypsin or chymotrypsin digests of brain spectrin bind 45Ca2+ if they include alpha domain IV, alpha domain III, or the amino-terminal half of the beta chain (but more than 25 kDa from the amino-terminal). These data suggest that calcium ions bind with high affinity to the putative EF-hands in alpha domain IV and to one site in the amino-terminal half of the beta chain that is associated with alpha domain IV in the native dimer. The localization is consistent with a direct calcium modulation of the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 interaction. In addition, there appears to be one high affinity site near the hypersensitive region of alpha brain spectrin. All four proposed binding sites occur near probable calmodulin-binding or calcium-dependent protease cleavage sites.

Selective localization of alpha brain activity with neuromagnetic measurements

A method of localizing brain activity by a new combination of magnetic and electrical recording, relative covariance, is described. The successful application of this method to alpha EEG is reported. Spontaneous human brain activity was recorded simultaneously with fixed scalp electrodes and a movable magnetometer. The analysis was restricted to the alpha rhythm, which was selected by a narrow bandpass filter centered at the observed alpha frequency. For each magnetometer location, the ratio of the covariance of the magnetic and electric signals to the electric variance was calculated, producing a map reflecting the magnetic field pattern. Clear maxima of opposite polarity over the left and right parietotemporal areas indicate bilateral current source areas near the midline, in the vicinity of the calcarine fissure, at a depth of 4–6 cm from the scalp. This relative covariance method may prove generally useful in localizing bioelectrical sources such as spontaneous brain rhythms.

Developmental changes in translatable mRNAs for the cerebral enolase isozymes alphaalpha and gammagamma.

Using the rabbit reticulocyte cell-free translation system we have estimated during ontogenesis the proportions of in vitro translatable alpha and gamma brain enolase mRNAs, which are two minor mRNA species. No polypeptide precursor to these enzyme subunits appears to be synthesized during translation in vitro. During brain development, the changes in translatable alpha and gamma mRNA content seem to parallel those of the corresponding antigens. The proportion of each of the enolase mRNAs is highest in adult mouse brain. Mechanisms controlling alpha and gamma antigen expression are discussed. In order to prepare the specific cDNA probes, purification of alpha and gamma mRNAs was undertaken.

Adjunctive role for biofeedback: neuromuscular rehabilitation

To many, biofeedback is synonymous with the craze of the 1960s and 1970s. Alpha brain waves—those with a frequency of 8 to 15 cps—usually are generated during periods of relaxation or light sleep. Since they often predominate in Indian yogis and others who meditate frequently, wave production has been associated by some with the serene emotional state of such persons. Indeed, learning to go into alpha became the rage, and in 1971, ninety-nine different companies were producing EEG biofeedback machines for self-instruction. By using such equipment, a subject trained himself to consciously manipulate his own brain waves. Biofeedback, however, is not a magical method of mind or mental state control, but simply a technique that uses instruments to reveal to a person the covert activities of his or her body. Available biofeedback instruments measure a variety of physiological parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and

EEG AS A PREDICTOR OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR

AbstractSlowing of alpha brain activity has been reported among antisocial individuals. One popular hypothesis to explain this slowing assumes a developmental lag, that is, brain immaturity. Studies to date have not established whether the brain wave activity precedes the development of antisocial behavior. The present longitudinal study attempts to answer this question by looking at EEG brain activity measures taken before the beginning of delinquent activity. Slower alpha patterns proved to be characteristic of later delinquents. The findings, however, do not support the developmental immaturity hypothesis.

Alpha brain wave production as an interpolated task in a Brown-Peterson paradigm.

Rehearsal, backward counting, and production of alpha brain-waves were used as interpolated tasks in a Brown-Peterson paradigm to determine their effect upon verbal retention. A within-subjects design was used in which trained subjects were told on a given trial either to produce alpha rhythm, mentally rehearse, or count backward following presentation of a CCC trigram. Results for the backward-counting condition duplicate, for the retention intervals used, the shape of the classic Peterson and Peterson forgetting curve but indicate little loss of memory in either the rehearsal or alpha conditions. No siginificant difference was found between the alpha production and rehearsal conditions.

Kinetic Art: On the Use of Subliminal Stimulation of Visual Perception

The author refers to his work with the photic-stimulation of alpha brain waves with flashing lights and gives his reasons for abandoning this approach in a kinetic art work. He discusses briefly the phenomenon of subliminal stimulation of visual perception of images and provides a bibliography of relevant literature on the subject. His recent kinetic art installation ‘Atavacron Series, I’, involving the use of subliminal stimulation, is described and the results he obtained with it are discussed. He gives his reasons for concluding that the human eye is capable of picking up subliminal stimuli and that supraliminal images are more easily remembered when shown in conjunction with subliminal ones.

SELF-REALIZATION AS THE BASIS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY: A LOOK AT TWO EASTERN-BASED PRACTICES, TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION AND ALPHA BRAIN WAVE BIOFEEDBACK

The “name of the game” for all types of psychotherapy is ultimately the maximization of human happiness. All psychotherapy then becomes concerned with such notions as self-realization, self-actualization, human fulfilment, etc., although a given system may not use such terminology.This paper looks at some Eastern contributions to the promotion of self-realization—in particular a technique in the Hindu Yoga meditative tradition, Transcendental Meditation (TM) which is beginning to attract substantial scientific attention. In addition the paper also looks at some of the rather arresting research in alpha brain wave biofeedback training, originating from EEG monitoring of Zen and Yoga practitioners. People are training themselves to produce states of mind found subjectively to be pleasant.

Kinetic Art: On Producing Illusions by Photic-Stimulation of Alpha Brain Waves with Flashing Lights

An artist who wishes to make works of relevance to the present-day world has the opportunity to apply new media developed by technology and new results obtained by psychologists of perception [1, 2]. One way to try to do this is to add to the traditional art object designed for passive contemplation the direct involvement of the viewer in controlling the object to obtain an aesthetic experience prepared by an artist. Viewer participation might involve several senses and psychological aspects of a human being. Electricity and electronic systems offer possibilities of attaining artistic experiences through viewer participation [2, 3]. In Leonardo, during the past four years, many artists have published discussions of the results they have obtained through the use of electric light in kinetic art. The work described by artists in References 4-8 are particularly related to my interests.

Method for Producing Sounds or Light Flashes with Alpha Brain Waves for Artistic Purposes

Method for Producing Sounds or Light Flashes with Alpha Brain Waves for Artistic Purposes

Phase of alpha brain waves, reaction time and visually evoked potentials

A reaction time study was conducted in which twenty subjects were asked to respond to single flashes of light by closing a response switch as quickly as possible. The flashes were presented during six different phase intervals of alpha waves to determine whether reaction times would be related to alpha phase, thus reflecting changes in cortical excitability. Reaction times were found to be reliably faster when the stimulus light was flashed during certain portions of the alpha wave, thus supporting the hypothesis of an excitability cycle being related to the alpha wave. Inked plots of the resulting averaged visually evoked potentials yielded a complex wave consisting of eight distinct components in the first 300 msec of the response. Only two of these components correlated positively and significantly with reaction time. The peak delay of the earliest and most highly correlated of the two components was used as a measure for the interval of time required for the volley initiated by the flash to have reached the cortex and the neural integration necessary for “perception” to have occurred. When the alpha phase during which the light was flashed was corrected by this amount (57 msec), fastest mean reaction times were found to fall on a surface negative phase of the wave while the slowest fell on a positive phase.

CHEMICAL PACEMAKERS

1. Iron spicules found in the brains of general paretic patients are formed from endogenous brain iron normally present in another form. This supports our earlier view that the micro value of 16,000 obtained in advanced paretics for alpha brain wave frequencies as a measure of cortical respiration comes about from the slowing of an iron catalyzed link in cortical respiration such as would result from the reduction of available cytochrome and its oxidase, thus making this step a chemical pacemaker. 2. To test the basic theory of chemical pacemakers, a study was made of the succinate-fumarate enzyme system containing succino-dehydrogenase and cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase acting sequentially. 3. The micro value for the unpoisoned system is 11,200 +/- 200 calories. 4. According to theory, the addition of a critical amount of cyanide known to be a specific poison of the cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase system (and not of the dehydrogenase) should shift the micro cleanly to 16,000 calories, and it does. 5. According to theory, selenite, a specific poison for the dehydrogenase, should stop all respiration without shifting the micro. This also is found to be the case. 6. The theory also predicts that if the micro is shifted from 11,000 +/- to 16,000 +/- by cyanide, the subsequent addition of a critical amount of selenite should shift the micro back again to 11,000 +/- calories, and this is found to occur. 7. It is concluded that approximately 11,000 calories is the energy of activation of the succino-dehydrogenase-catalyzed step and 16,000 calories is that for the cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase-catalyzed step. These two values are encountered more frequently than any others in physiological systems. It is to be recalled that a shift of micro for alpha brain wave frequencies from 11,000 to 16,000 calories occurs in the course of advancing syphilitic brain infection and is accompanied by a change in form of brain iron.