The Application of Audiovisual Entrainment for the Treatment of Seniors ’ Issues , Part 2

io fed b ck ⎪ S u m m er 2006 69 As the North American population continues to age, cognitive decline in older adults is becoming an ever-growing concern. Aging is accompanied by a decrease in cerebral blood flow, slowing of the brain’s alpha rhythm, and increased theta activity. These changes correlate with cognitive decline—spanning memory, problem-solving ability, difficulty with language, and speech—and with impairments in locomotion. The left hemisphere of the brain loses functionality before the right side, and coupled with fears and feelings of helplessness, this produces depression. Preliminary studies of audiovisual entrainment (AVE) have shown this technique to be promising in the treatment of age-related issues common in senior citizens. AVE appears to rehabilitate cognitive function in seniors, improve mood, and reduce the risk of falls. The best application of AVE may be as a prophylactic against these maladies of aging.