Neurotechnologies: The Next Technology Frontier

Deep brain stimulation is a method already being used successfully to treat major depression. However, there is one group of patients that needs more attention. In their case, often neither psychological nor pharmaceutical therapy brings any improvement.

These are young people between the ages of 16 and 24 with depression and suicidal behavior. Therefore, experts have developed a device that stimulates the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This technique, added to cognitive exercise sessions, reduces symptoms associated with depression.

Companies such as Medtronic, Neuropace, and St. Jude Medical have developed technologies that can change the quality of life for many people. While we usually think only of Elon Musk's Neuralink project, the truth is that many organizations are working on specific advances that will soon see the light of day.

One such project is the creation of brain devices that prevent epileptic seizures. There will also be technologies that, through continuous monitoring, will improve the administration of specific medications based on the patient's needs.

Other neurotechnologies already used in psychological therapy are those related to virtual reality. Currently, they are extremely useful in treating phobias and dementia, and in treating children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Soon, however, another step is to be taken.

In a few years, virtual reality technology combined with brain stimulation will be developed to treat patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Through gradual sessions, the method will seek to negate the negative effects of adverse events.

Most of us play games on our cell phones to train our memory. These are useful resources for the elderly because they facilitate good cognitive stimulation. This is an important area of neurotechnology, and it undoubtedly helps to understand why specialized video games are being developed for this purpose.

Cognitive training to improve fluid intelligence, as well as working memory, is a resource that will soon be within our reach.

In an increasingly stimulating and multitasking world, attention is beginning to fade in people. As a result, we now find it difficult to concentrate our mental resources on single activities. Concentration is exhausting, and our thoughts tend to wander. This feeds stress and feelings of low productivity.

Wearable technologies like watches or headphones will soon begin to have a different purpose. Experts are designing devices that improve our attention span and promote calmness and emotional self-regulation. Does this mean the end of anxiety? We will have to wait and see.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems already exist. They consist of interfaces that connect the human mind to a computer, translate its thoughts and transmit them to electronic devices. We know this may sound like science fiction, but if we want to understand their usefulness, we need to analyze what they consist of.

These new technologies detect and decode the electrical activity of neurons. They then send messages to a device that performs a specific action. In effect, brain-computer interfaces are neurotechnologies that realize the rehabilitation of lost functions.

We often think about the dangers of technological revolutions such as chatbots or artificial intelligence. However, as is usually the case with science, the key is how we use it.

Currently, some neurotechnologies are already part of many therapeutic and medical communities. But in the future, there will be new and unique resources whose sole purpose will be to improve our quality of life in many areas. This is the best goal of all, and while it may have seemed magical before, it is likely to come true sooner than we might think.