Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has shown promise in improving sleep for individuals with dementia, according to a recent study. Sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with dementia, affecting a significant portion of those living with the condition.

Researchers from the University of Surrey and the UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Care Research & Technology at Imperial College London conducted a study where they utilized sound stimulation to target alpha rhythms, a type of brainwave, at specific timings to explore the brain’s response. Alpha rhythms have been associated with memory and perception, and alterations in these rhythms have been noted in individuals with cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. Ines Violante, Senior Lecturer in Psychological Neuroscience at the University of Surrey, highlighted the significance of alpha oscillations in shaping essential brain functions. She emphasized the potential of using sound as a non-invasive method to stimulate brain oscillations, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease where brain oscillations are slower.

The study employed an innovative brain modulation technique called Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation (aCLAS), where sounds are synchronized with the precise phase of alpha rhythms. By continuously monitoring the brain’s electrical activity in real-time, researchers could deliver a burst of pink noise when a specific brain wave phase was reached by the participant.

Results indicated that the speed of the alpha rhythm could be altered based on the phase at which the sound was played, with the effect varying depending on the origin of the alpha oscillations in the brain.

This research sheds light on the potential of sound therapy to enhance sleep quality in individuals with dementia, offering a non-invasive approach that could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions to address sleep disturbances associated with the condition.