Method and device for enhancing memory consolidation
The present invention relates to methods and devices to consolidate memory and/or cognitive functions by monitoring brain rhythms and delivering a stimulus at an appropriate stage of sleep cycle.
1. A non-invasive method for enhancing and/or consolidating memory comprising:
a. monitoring a sleeping cycle of a subject,
b. detecting a stage I end of a non-REM light sleep state by detection of a negative peak with an amplitude inferior to −75 μV,
c. emitting a first stimulus at a stage II onset of said non-REM light sleep state,
d. emitting a second stimulus,
e. repeating emitting the first stimulus and the second stimulus until a stage IV end of said non-REM light sleep state, and
f. restarting said method at step c. when an onset of a further stage II of said non-REM light sleep state is detected,
thereby extending slow wave sleep stages and modulating an architecture of the sleeping cycle.
2. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein said first or second stimulus is a sensory, electrical and/or magnetic stimulus.
3. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein both stimuli are separated for a time comprised from about 0.5 second to 2.5 seconds.
4. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein the first stimulus is emitted from about 0.1 to about 1 second after the detection of the negative peak.
5. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 further comprising an application of said first or second stimuli during memory training or a learning process on a subject who is awake.
6. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein said method is controlled by the subject.
7. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein said method is controlled by a skilled physician.
8. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is a healthy subject which undergoes normal aging or a training period.
9. The non-invasive method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is affected by a memory-related disorder or a cognitive-related disorder.
10. The non-invasive method according to claim 6 , wherein said subject is affected by a neuronal connectivity disorder.
11. A non-invasive method for modulating sleep architecture comprising:
a. monitoring a sleeping cycle of a subject,
b. detecting an end of stage I of a non-REM light sleep state by detection of a negative peak with an amplitude inferior to −75 μV,
c. emitting a first stimulus at an onset of stage II of said non-REM light sleep state,
d. emitting a second stimulus,
e. repeating emitting the first stimulus and the second stimulus until an end of stage IV of said non-REM light sleep state, and
f. restarting said method at step c. when an onset of a further stage II of said non-REM light sleep state is detected,
thereby improving memory consolidation and/or cognition and/or general well-being.
12. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said first or second stimulus is a sensory, electrical and/or magnetic stimulus.
13. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein both stimuli are separated for a time comprised from about 0.5 second to 2.5 seconds.
14. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein the first stimulus is emitted from about 0.1 to about 1 second after the detection of the negative peak.
15. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 further comprising an emission of said first or second stimuli during memory training or a learning process on a subject who is awake.
16. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said method is controlled by the subject.
17. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said method is controlled by a skilled physician.
18. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said subject is a healthy subject which undergoes normal aging or a training period.
19. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said subject is affected by a memory-related disorder or a cognitive-related disorder.
20. The non-invasive method according to claim 11 , wherein said subject is affected by a neuronal connectivity disorder.
21. A device for implementing a non-invasive method for enhancing and/or consolidating memory or modulating sleep architecture, comprising:
a. electrodes for measuring a subject's brain activity,
b. stimulators emitting at least one type of sensory, electrical or magnetic stimulus, and
c. a programmable microcontroller board configured to perform the steps of:
I. receiving a brain activity signal measured by said electrodes;
II. monitoring said brain activity signal;
III. detecting in the brain activity signal an end of a stage I of a non-REM light sleep state by detection of a negative peak with an amplitude inferior to −75 μV and an onset of stage II of said non-REM light sleep state;
IV. causing the stimulators to emit a first stimulus at the detection of an onset of stage II of said non-REM light sleep state;
V. causing the stimulators to emit a second stimulus;
VI. causing the stimulators to repeat the emission of the first stimulus and the second stimulus until an end of stage IV of said non-REM light sleep state; and
VII. repeating steps IV to VI when the onset of stage II of said non-REM light sleep state is detected.
22. The device according to claim 21 , wherein the programmable microcontroller board is further configured to perform a step of filtering the brain activity signal.
23. The device according to claim 21 further comprising a computer-readable storage medium.
24. The device according to claim 21 further comprising a user interface.
25. The device according to claim 24 , wherein the user interface is configured to visualize physiological parameters of the subject.
26. The device according to claim 21 further comprising a device used for wireless or serial communication.