How to improve your mental capacity? Research shows that this can be done with electrical brain stimulation devices that are freely available online. Now scientists are calling for regulation of the technology that is gaining popularity.
It may sound too good to be true, but scientists are talking about the great promise of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) technology. The method involves exposing the brain to electrical impulses sent through the scalp. This is done to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
The method is non-invasive and is even used by the military to improve the brain function of human pilots who fly drones.
Exposure to electric current "ignites" neurons, having a positive effect on cognitive functions not only in healthy people, but also in patients with impaired brain function. Previous research has shown an improvement in math ability in people treated with TDCS therapy. This effect was observed six months after the procedure.
By applying a weak electric current to the right side of the brain, we can change the threshold of neurons that transmit information in our brain, and, as a result, improve cognitive functions. Commercial companies became interested in this technology and began to promote it among gamers, promising them a head start over their rivals in the game.
One such company advertises a hoop with electrodes that will help "speed up" the brain, "increasing its performance by 20-40 percent." The gadget "improves overall well-being and relieves fatigue," reads an ad citing research results.
Unexpected results
Promotional video:
However, improper use of stimulating devices can harm health, not benefit. Games and healing are two different things, researchers warn.
One such device (pictured below) stimulates the brain regions behind the forehead. They are responsible for attention.
Brain stimulator for gamers
Under laboratory conditions, this stimulation lasts no more than 20 minutes at a time. Moreover, only those people who have previously undergone a rigorous medical examination are allowed to participate in the experiment.
In the end, devices are applied to the brains of the test subjects, which, according to scientists, can produce unexpected results. For example, the impact on other parts of the brain or a change in the polarity of the electrodes may not only help but, on the contrary, harm a person.
You can hurt yourself. It is important to know how to use this method correctly, choose the right time and current power, warn scientists at Oxford University.
Their colleagues from the University of Swansea agree with them. According to them, electrical brain stimulants can cause seizures and mood swings. The high-risk group includes people under the age of 20 - the most fruitful period of brain development.
But most of all, scientists are alarmed by the fact that many technically gifted children assemble such gadgets with their own hands. On the Reddit.com forum, you can find messages with complaints about "scalded scalp" and "outbursts of anger" after brain stimulation with TDCS therapy.
Laboratory brain stimulation
This can happen when the prescribed dosage is exceeded. In contrast to patients, ordinary people are less aware of the possible risks, says researcher Nick Davis from the University of Swansea.
Marketing is ahead of science
Oxford scientists are calling for more control over electrical brain stimulants. Some companies position these gadgets as gaming, although they are medical devices that are subject to appropriate registration and control.
Scientists do not want to prohibit or restrict access to cognitive enhancement devices. They want users to know the risks they will have to take in pursuit of the potential benefit.
Another concern is that the technology is not yet ready for commercial use. According to neuroscientist Stephen Novell of Yale University, companies often take untested technologies from laboratories and try to bring them to market, calling them "sexy."
Any device with medical functionality must be regulated accordingly. Regulation is the only thing that motivates spending money and time on research, says Novella.
According to scientists, interest in technology will only grow. But until more research is done, they recommend using electrostimulators with caution.