Is your brain ageing well? Muse has the answer
In an era where we track everything from our steps to our sleep, Muse is betting that consumers are ready to start monitoring their cognitive health. The neurotechnology company has introduced something called Alpha Peak (APF), a new metric designed to measure mental wellness and cognitive performance.
The science behind Alpha Peak is rooted in the measurement of alpha waves, a type of brain activity associated with relaxed alertness. Research suggests that the peak frequency of these waves correlates with various aspects of cognitive function and tends to change as we age. Think of it as something similar to heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular health, but that provides insights into you brain’s ageing process.
The potential benefits are clear. Research suggests that certain cognitive functions begin to decline as early as our 30s, with mild cognitive impairment affecting a substantial portion of adults over 65. Alpha Peak addresses this concern by offering a tangible way to track brain health over time.
Users can obtain their Alpha Peak score through Muse’s mEEG devices after completing biofeedback sessions. The system establishes a personalized baseline and provides a graph showing whether the user’s Alpha Peak falls within, below, or above this baseline. This information, combined with lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep, allows you to gauge how your lifestyle effects your cognitive health.
Supporting research
The science behind Alpha Peak is rooted in extensive research. A 2016 study involving over 6,000 Muse device users found a strong correlation between alpha peak frequency and various aspects of cognitive performance, including overall cognitive health, processing speed, and memory.
The company says it is actively involved in research across multiple areas, including AI-powered sleep diagnostics and therapeutics. Additionally, Muse is exploring the relationships between sleep and conditions such as depression, insomnia, and PTSD, aiming to develop strategies that could significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected.
The company’s research efforts also include the development of a “Brain Age Score,” which allows users to track their brain health relative to their chronological age. In 2024, Muse plans to conduct a large-scale study focused on mild cognitive decline (MCI) in partnership with Dr. Olav Krigolson from the University of Victoria.
These new features work in conjunction with the Muse S device which I reviewed a few years back. The device provides real-time feedback on meditation practice, making it easier to stay on track and motivated. The Muse S also offers sleep tracking functionality.
While the primary focus of Muse remains on meditation assistance, the addition of Alpha Peak and other brain health metrics represents an expansion of the device’s capabilities. As research in neurotechnology continues to advance, tools like Muse’s Alpha Peak may play an increasingly important role in helping individuals maintain cognitive health as they get older.
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