If you’re eating healthy and using supportive supplements, one more thing you can do is provide the brain with stimulation or exercise. One intervention commonly used is neurofeedback, which is similar to biofeedback, but specifically for your brain.

To understand how neurofeedback works you first need to look at the different brain waves. The first type of wave is delta which is predominant during deep sleep. Secondly, theta waves are present during lighter sleep or a state of deep meditation. Next are alpha waves which are active in times of daydreaming or light meditation, and lastly, beta waves are associated with normal waking and thinking states. Generally, alpha waves tend to be related to mood and beta waves translate into thinking and cognition.

Many patients are hesitant to discuss mood disorders with their doctor. For physicians, neurofeedback provides an opportunity to objectify anxiety, depression, attention deficits and memory loss.

The first step of neurofeedback is to create a brain map, or quantitative EEG, which helps map out alpha and beta levels and any asymmetry that may be present. This provides clues to where individuals may be dealing with depression or anxiety and how to harness neuroplasticity for best results. During neurofeedback, electrodes are applied to the scalp to monitor brainwave activity, and specific frequencies are targeted to retrain the brain toward healthier or more regulated brainwave states.

Redefine What’s Possible

The future of brain health relies on access to early assessment and preventative protocols, similar to heart health screenings. Individuals are screened early and regularly for cardiovascular disease, and if they are found to be at risk, they partake in medical treatment or lifestyle modification. The same type of responsibility needs to be demonstrated with brain health to mitigate rates of cognitive impairment, mood disorders and increase optimal living.

When the brain is given healthy nutrition to sustain function and integrity, supplements to stimulate growth and regular exercise to amplify neuroplasticity you can see significant changes in mood and memory function in as little as a few months—all without the use of pills.