In the realm of mood enhancement, music has always held a special place, known to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin – the brain's "happy hormones." However, an Israeli startup is now pushing the boundaries by using music not only to uplift spirits but also to assess potential mental decline in the elderly. This innovative approach involves a series of musical tests designed to evaluate cognitive function through the art of listening.
Herzliya-based Neurosteer, the brainchild behind this pioneering concept, has achieved a major milestone with its test gaining approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This novel test is not only capable of detecting early signs of Parkinson's Disease but also Alzheimer's and various other forms of dementia.
The examination, which lasts about 15 minutes, prompts patients to undertake a range of musical tasks, such as identifying specific melodies or instruments by pressing a button, while sensors attached to their scalp capture brain activity. These sensors are linked to a portable and highly sensitive electroencephalogram (EEG) device, ingeniously developed by Neurosteer. Traditionally confined to medical facilities, EEG devices are used to diagnose brain disorders by monitoring electrical brain activity.
Distinctively, the Neurosteer device not only detects brain activity in the frontal lobe but also segregates it into different neural networks. Through proprietary artificial intelligence, it instantly evaluates the interplay between these networks, shedding light on the brain's overall performance.
Dr. Neta Maimon, the brain behind Neurosteer's musical tests and AI algorithms, hails from Tel Aviv University (TAU) School of Psychological Sciences and the School of Music. Maimon's choice of music as a stimulus is deeply rooted in its profound impact on the brain.
"Music enables us to create the optimal state for conducting these tests," explains Maimon. She highlights that the tests do not require any musical expertise, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Numerous scientific studies have showcased the ability of music to enhance cognitive and physical performance. Given music's mood-enhancing properties, Neurosteer hypothesized that music-based tests could provide an enjoyable yet effective environment for assessment.
Nathan Intrator, Neurosteer's CEO and a professor at TAU School of Computer Sciences, emphasizes that music's profound activation of the brain can stimulate the release of nearly the same amount of endorphins as rigorous physical exercise. This unique property allows Neurosteer to effectively interpret brain responses.
In comparison to conventional brain scans, Neurosteer's EEG device presents several advantages. Unlike traditional EEG devices that demand up to 256 electrodes and require extended periods of stillness, Neurosteer's portable solution requires only three electrodes in an adhesive strip.
Neurosteer's approach stands apart by utilizing AI for result interpretation, eliminating potential biases introduced by human examiners. This real-time processing ensures quicker insights for both patients and medical practitioners.
Established in 2015, Neurosteer has garnered $8 million in funding, primarily from investors who share Intrator's vision. Recognized for its innovative prowess, the startup clinched the Alzheimer's Innovation Challenge in 2022, an esteemed competition aimed at discovering innovative solutions for dementia patients.
Following FDA approval, US clinics are already embracing Neurosteer's technology for early neurodegenerative disease diagnosis. Intrator envisions a future where brain activity monitoring becomes a standard part of annual checkups, akin to blood pressure and heart function assessments. The goal is simple yet profound: to identify risks of debilitating diseases even before the individual is aware of the issue.