The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body, which controls every aspect of our daily life. From coordinating the motor skills needed to wake up and brush our teeth, to remembering a to-do list, it is responsible for every thought and action in our life.

The brain communicates to the body using electronic signals transferred using neurons. When a group of neurons send a burst of electrical pulses to another group of neurons, it creates a wave-like pattern. Brain waves are the evidence of electrical activity produced by your brain.

Brain waves can be divided into different speeds (fast, medium, slow) and brain waves/rhythms are classified into five categories: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta Waves. Each corresponds to different types of thought patterns and provide information about a person’s health and state of mind. These waves are measured in speed cycles per second, which are described as Hertz (Hz). Brain waves change depending on what we are doing and how we are feeling.

Gamma brain waves are the fastest brain waves connected with the fastest brain activity. They are activated at this higher frequency when the brain is learning, focusing, remembering, and problem solving. These brain waves help process information.

When a disturbance in the brain’s gamma rhythm occurs, cognitive function is impaired and, in people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, gamma rhythms are often diminished. There are factors that disrupt a healthy balance of these brain waves such as medications, brain injury and poor cognitive function, but many of these disruptions have been found in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.