Ever wondered how old your brain really is compared to your actual age? As a researcher at Drexel University, I, along with my colleagues, developed a method to estimate brain age using a low-cost EEG headset. This can help us understand how different factors like lifestyle and environment impact our brain health over time.
Our brains age due to various factors, and this can lead to diseases that are hard to treat once symptoms appear. Detecting these changes early is crucial for effective intervention. But how can we monitor brain health in a way that’s easy and affordable?
We created a technique using a machine-learning algorithm trained on EEG recordings from healthy individuals. This method uses the EMOTIV EPOC X headset, which is both low-cost and user-friendly. It estimates a person’s brain age by analyzing their resting-state brain activity.
We recorded EEG data from participants while they were at rest, using the EMOTIV EPOC X headset. The recordings were then analyzed to estimate the brain age of each participant. We tested our model against an independent group of participants to check its accuracy.
Accuracy: Our method showed a strong correlation between the estimated brain age and the actual age of the participants. After adjusting for statistical biases, the accuracy was even higher.
Test-Retest Reliability: We found that the brain age estimates were consistent over a short period (one week), demonstrating the reliability of our method.
Ease of Use: The EMOTIV EPOC X headset is easy to use and affordable, making it practical for widespread use in clinics, workplaces, and even at home.
This technique has significant implications for large-scale brain health screening. By regularly estimating brain age, we can detect early signs of neurological decline and monitor the effectiveness of interventions like exercise or dietary changes. This can be especially beneficial for athletes, executives, and students looking to optimize their cognitive performance.
Our research shows that it’s possible to estimate brain age accurately using a low-cost EEG headset. This opens up new possibilities for early detection and intervention of age-related brain disorders. Regular monitoring can help maintain brain health and improve overall quality of life.