Neuromonitoring-guided cognitive intervention for targeted enhancement of working memory networks

Stanford researchers have developed a neuromonitoring-guided cognitive intervention that enhances working memory by dynamically identifying and reinforcing engagement of individualized brain networks in real time.

Traditional cognitive training tools often lack specificity and adaptability, offering limited benefit for neurodiverse populations such as individuals with ADHD. These approaches typically fail to monitor neural engagement or account for differences in brain function across individuals.

This innovative platform integrates real-time functional neuroimaging, adaptive neurofeedback, and personalized cognitive exercises into a closed-loop system. As users complete working memory tasks, the system continuously monitors brain activity and reinforces strategies that optimally activate the target network. By accounting for individual variability in neural circuitry, the intervention ensures precise localization and engagement of the desired brain regions.

Validated in children with ADHD in a pre-registered clinical trial study, the technology has shown improvements in attention, focus, and cognitive control. Its personalized, brain-guided approach has broad potential beyond ADHD, including applications in learning disabilities, cognitive rehabilitation, and digital mental health.

By linking neural data to behavioral feedback in real time, this platform offers a personalized cognitive enhancement, enabling targeted, scalable, and clinically meaningful digital therapeutics.

The research team is currently working on a wearable neuroimaging platform to be able to deliver this intervention at home to increase scalability.