The Application and Development of Brain-Computer Interface in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers disease (AD), Parkinsons disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cause progressive loss of cognitive, motor, and communication functions, often resulting in severe disability. Traditional treatments mainly alleviate symptoms but rarely halt disease progression or restore function. This review examines the therapeutic potential of braincomputer interface (BCI) technologies across three domains: cognitive recovery, motor rehabilitation, and communication enhancement. Advances in BCI-based cognitive training have shown improvements in executive function and memory, while motor imagery (MI)-based BCIs combined with neuromodulation or functional electrical stimulation have enhanced motor outcomes in stroke and PD. Invasive and non-invasive BCIs have also enabled communication in patients with severe motor impairments. Hybrid EEGfNIRS systems and integration with artificial intelligence and natural language processing further improve decoding accuracy and user experience. BCIs offer a promising, non-pharmacological, and patient-centered solution that complements existing therapies and may significantly enhance autonomy and quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions.