03/31/2025
Revolutionizing Communication for ALS Patients
Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, diagnosed with ALS in 2013, communicates by spelling words on an eye chart. This slow, exhausting method has been his only way to connect with others. ALS, affecting about 30,000 Americans, gradually paralyzes patients, making communication and independence difficult. However, recent advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology are offering hope. Cognixion, led by Andreas Forsland, developed a non-invasive BCI that translates brain activity into actions like typing or controlling devices. This technology doesn’t require surgery and is more approachable for ALS patients.
Rabbi Hurwitz is one of ten participants in the first clinical trial for Cognixion’s BCI. Using the device regularly, he hopes to improve communication speed and regain some independence. This innovation represents the beginning of a revolution in ALS care, offering patients the potential for more control over their lives.
Works Cited:
- Forsland, Andreas. “Cognixion Announces First Clinical Trial for Brain-Computer Interface.” Forbes, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/cognixion-announces-first-clinical-trial-for-brain-computer-interface.
- “Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz: A Story of Resilience.” Chabad.org, 2024, https://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/4561543/jewish/Rabbi-Yitzi-Hurwitz-A-Story-of-Resilience.htm.