Mind Matters Regional Neurofeedback Centers of Brooklyn, NY

07/23/2024

Exciting News in Neurofeedback!

We are thrilled to share a recent article from Forbes recognizing Neurofeedback as a major trend to watch in the future of neurotechnology: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/06/25/the-future-of-neurotechnology-five-trends-to-watch/

Neurofeedback has shown incredible potential in various applications, demonstrating efficacy in the enhancement of cognitive performance and reduction of stress, to aiding in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Advancements in AI and machine learning hold the promise of further refining feedback accuracy, improving treatment outcomes.

We are excited about the future of Neurofeedback and the transformative impact it will have on our clients’ lives. Stay tuned for more updates and breakthroughs in our fascinating field!

Neurotechnology is on the cusp of transforming various aspects of our lives, from healthcare to everyday activities.

05/11/2024

EVERY DISEASE HAS A BIOLOGICAL BASIS!

The mental health field is the only healthcare field that does not look at the organ it treats. Traditionally, we diagnose and treat symptoms, but have you every wondered WHY these symptoms are present?

Functional medicine is a rapidly growing field that explores the root causes of symptoms and their presentation. By understanding the root causes of illness and disease, we are not only addressing the symptoms but aim to prevent them from reoccurring. Integrative medicine can examine each individual's biology and acquire this information.

Our team at Mind Matters consists of highly educated, experienced, board-certified professionals practicing in a field called functional Neurotherapy. We offer a wide range of services including biometric testing, brain mapping, and root cause exploration. We provide precise continuity of care and even include counseling, medication management, and our expert services on brainwave regulation!

Contact our office today to learn more!
(607) 437-3305

05/10/2024

Celebrate Mother's Day with us: enjoy 15% off our premium selection of supplements in office and online. Shop now and give the gift of wellness!

https://mind-matters-nfbc.square.site/s/shop

Use code MOTHERSDAY2024 at checkout
Don't wait-- this offer ends ends 5/19/2024

04/23/2024

Happy Earth Week!

At Mind Matters, we believe in the power of nature not only to sustain life, but also to nurture our well-being. In our hyper-connected world, it is important to take time to ‘unplug’ from our devices– let’s celebrate the incredible mental health and wellness benefits of time spent outdoors!

Did you know that connecting with nature has been scientifically proven to help manage stress, anxiety and depression [1]? Time in nature has also shown to benefit our immune and interpersonal functioning! Research has demonstrated that perceived self-nature interconnectedness is linked to environmental and psychological well-being, and this interconnectedness can be greatly enhanced by meditating in nature– a recent study found that those who spent time meditating while on an outdoor retreat demonstrated enhanced self-nature interconnectedness compared to those who did not meditate on the retreat [2]. Nature has a unique way of grounding us, providing a sense of calm and perspective in our busy lives. Whether it’s taking a peaceful walk in the park, breathing in the fresh air of the woods, or simply sitting under the open sky, immersing ourselves in nature can have profound effects on our mental health.

Whether your schedule allows you to have a picnic in the park, or merely open a window, make sure you enjoy some fresh air today! Your body and BRAIN will thank you!

Sources:
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/17/3202
[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-016-0542-8

04/01/2024

If you've been curious about neurofeedback, but haven't yet taken the plunge, now is your chance to dive in and experience the incredible benefits for yourself!

Whether you're looking to enhance focus and reduce stress, or interested in peak performance training, neurofeedback can help you reach your goals.

Take advantage of our exclusive sale and embark on a journey to unleash your brain's full potential!

03/31/2024

Wishing you & your family a joyful Easter and a delightful spring season filled with warmth, growth, and blooming beauty 🐇🌸✨

03/15/2024

Shining a light on Parkinson's: explore the facts, myths, and breakthroughs in understanding this neurological condition.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairment and mood disturbances. The primary pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease is the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain [1].
Overall, the emerging body of research suggests that neurofeedback, particularly training sensorimotor rhythms [2] and beta frequencies, holds promise as a non-invasive adjunct therapy for PD.

Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) Training
SMR is a specific frequency band associated with sensorimotor integration and motor control. Studies have shown that those with PD exhibit abnormal SMR activity, with decreased power in this frequency band compared to healthy controls. By targeting SMR activity through neurofeedback, researchers aim to enhance sensorimotor integration and potentially ameliorate motor symptoms in PD patients.

In a study investigating the effects of SMR training on PD patients, researchers found that training led to significant improvements in motor symptoms, as measured by standardized clinical assessments, such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale [3]. These improvements were sustained even after the conclusion of neurofeedback sessions, suggesting potential long-term benefits. Other studies have observed improvements in motor function, gait, and balance following SMR training [4]. Additionally, patients reported subjective improvements in activities of daily living and overall quality of life.

Beta Frequency Training
Excessive beta activity has been associated with PD pathology [5], leading researchers to explore the potential benefits of modulating beta activity through neurofeedback. One such study found that training to decrease beta activity over the sensorimotor cortex resulted in improvements to motor symptoms, particularly reductions in tremor severity [6]. These improvements were sustained at follow-up assessments conducted several weeks after the conclusion of training sessions.

If you or a loved one are living with Parkinson’s disease and would like more information about how neurofeedback can be an adjunct to your treatment plan, contact our office today for a no cost consultation.

Sources:
[1] https://apcz.umk.pl/.../view/JEHS.2021.11.01.003/27810
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/acn3.434
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887635/
[4] https://www.tandfonline.com/.../10.1080/10874208.2011.623089
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S1353802024000221
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22072682/

Images:
https://neuro2go.com/parkinsons-disease-symptoms-and.../
https://www.templehealth.org/.../understanding-stages-of...
https://uiucneurotech.medium.com/deep-brain-stimulation...

03/12/2024

A note from Dr. Steffens:

Women over 60, how many steps do you really need?

A study from the University of Buffalo School of Public Health reports that many of us believe that 10,000 steps a day can be beneficial for your heart. However, the research indicates that women over 60 can actually gain solid heart benefits from around 3,600 steps per day! Getting 3,600 steps in daily was associated with a 26% lower risk of developing heart failure.

The participants of the study were 6,000 women living in the United States, who wore motion trackers for up to seven consecutive days. Most of these women were able to achieve 3,600 steps without much effort. The risk of developing heart failure was 12% lower for each 70 minutes a day spent in light intensity exercise, and 16% lower for each 30 minutes spent in moderate to vigorous exercise. By comparison, each hour and a half of sedentary time was associated with 17% higher risk of experiencing heart failure.

Activities considered light intensity include daily activities, such as house, chores, caregiving, walking at a normal pace, climbing stairs, or doing yard work.
So let's get moving! And, of course, always remember to eat healthy and get a proper amount of sleep.

Image source: https://howdyhealth.tamu.edu/walking-how-many-steps-a-day/

02/21/2024

Can too much screen time stunt children’s sensory processing capabilities?

Sensory processing refers to the brain's ability to organize and interpret information using our senses to understand the world around us. If we see that we are near train tracks and hear a whistle increasing in volume, we can deduce that we should keep a safe distance. This skill has allowed us to protect ourselves and make informed decisions based on context.

Exposure to digital devices in early childhood and infancy could be associated with an increased risk for sensory processing dysfunction. A study from Drexel University looked at 1,500 young children and found that early exposure to digital devices was associated with symptoms of atypical sensory processing, compared to those with delayed exposure [1].

Atypical sensory processing can be characterized by hypersensitivity to touch, sound, taste, or visual stimuli. Children may avoid the feeling of a particular clothing, foods, or activities such as getting their hair washed. They may display sensation-seeking or self-soothing behaviors. Atypical sensory processing can disrupt development and reduce quality of life; sensitivity and/or avoidance can lead to an individual becoming overwhelmed by their environment, creating difficulties learning from those around them.

Sensory processing issues are strongly related to other conditions such as ADHD and Autism— sensory processing disorders are found in approximately 60% of children with ADHD, and 70% of children with Autism. Researchers theorize that screen time reduces social interactions and meaningful play that may interrupt the development of typical sensory processing.

Children benefit from real-world experiences, which help them develop sensory processing skills: hands-on exploration and dynamic play support healthy development [2].

A thorough brain assessment or mapping can help identify these concerns & provide healthy intervention to regulate sensory processing areas. Contact our office today for more information: (607) 437-3305

References:
[1] https://jamanetwork.com/.../jama.../article-abstract/2813443
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/.../10.1111/1440-1630.12650