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Scientists develop an innovative method to stimulate memory in dementia patients through sounds
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The recent discovery in controlling brain waves during sleep promises a potential revolution in dementia treatment, allowing doctors to modify brain activity non-surgically and less invasively

A recent scientific study conducted by the University of Surrey has revealed the possibility of manipulating brain rhythms during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, a stage closely associated with memory and cognitive processes.
The innovative technique, which relies on auditory stimuli, allows researchers to accelerate brain activity that is slowed in dementia patients during this rest period.
According to "Neuroscience News", a research team from the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the UK Dementia Research Care and Technology Centre at Imperial College London, used a novel method known as closed-loop auditory stimulation, which targets brain waves during sleep with extreme precision.
Dr. Valeria Jaramillo, a researcher at the Sleep Research Centre and faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of Surrey, said: "Brain oscillations play a crucial role in brain performance, learning mechanisms, and information retention. These waves during REM sleep have been proven to be linked to memory functions – although their exact role remains largely unclear."
She added that in cases of dementia, brain activity significantly slows during REM sleep, which is associated with a decline in the ability to recall personal memories and retain information.
Dr. Jaramillo explained that "stimulating brain waves through sounds can increase their frequency, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of how to enhance brain oscillations during REM sleep to improve cognition, and how to improve the quality of this sleep stage in dementia patients."
Professor Dirk Jan Dijk, Director of the Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey, head of the UK Dementia Research Institute team and principal investigator of the study, commented: "This discovery may pave the way for a new approach in treating dementia patients. This technique is non-surgical and applied during sleep, which reduces disruption to patients' daily lives and makes therapeutic procedures more targeted and precise."
Levant-Agencies
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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