Kenneth Lee Erickson

US Patent:

49879030, Jan 29, 1991

Filed:

Nov 14, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/271164

Inventors:

William Keppel - Portland OR
Kenneth R. Erickson - Tualatin OR

International Classification:

A61B 504

US Classification:

128732

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies. An electroencephalogram signal is detected from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials. The subject is instructed to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus. The amplitude of the most positive-going peak of the evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the stimulus is measured. To determine whether the subject suffers from early Alzheimer's disease, the amplitude of the signal is compared to a standard determined by applying the same method to normal subjects. The amplitude of the signal may also be used to provide a feedback signal to the subject for training the subject to improve the subject's semantic memory skills. An apparatus is provided for implementing these steps using digital signal processing, and for providing a biofeedback signal to the subject.

US Patent:

49845780, Jan 15, 1991

Filed:

May 7, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/519952

Inventors:

William Keppel - Portland OR
Kenneth R. Erickson - Tualatin OR

International Classification:

A61B 504

US Classification:

128732

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies. An electroencephalogram signal is detected from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials. The subject is instructed to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus. The amplitude of the most positive-going peak of the evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the stimulus is measured. To determine whether the subject suffers from early Alzheimer's disease, the amplitude of the signal is compared to a standard determined by applying the same method to normal subjects. The amplitude of the signal may also be used to provide a feedback signal to the subject for training the subject to improve the subject's semantic memory skills. An apparatus is provided for implementing these steps using digital signal processing, and for providing a biofeedback signal to the subject.