Gamma and the senses : explorations of multisensory cognitive approaches in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

We experience the world through our senses. Our consciousness is the culmination of our recalled perceptual associations. Stimulating the senses can yield remarkable biological effects for cognitive recovery; this is the cornerstone of my thesis. Alzheimer's is currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and impacts an estimated 50 million worldwide. Therefore, it is vital to develop an effective cure that goes beyond stalling symptoms, to reverse disease progression. My research contribution to the Aging Brain Initiative, reveals the importance of multi-modal gamma stimulation for human-centered applications. This takes form within a novel sensory taxonomy of the effects of gamma entrainment stimuli in humans. Simultaneously, groundbreaking multisensory testing methodologies are outlined to evaluate subtle cognitive changes in human participants. The amalgamation of this research is physically expressed in the design of a multisensory, interactive Gamma Instrument, designed to effect peak levels of gamma entrainment and sensory congruence. This work provides foundational components for future gamma research and broadens our understanding of the role of music in medicine and multisensory cognition.