Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the level of a selected hormone in the circulatory system of an animal. The relationship between the level of a hormone, such as the immune-regulating cylokine IL-1, in the blood stream of an animal and application of sensory stimuli to the animal is determined by periodically taking discrete samples of the animal's blood while the stimuli are applied, measuring the levels of the hormone in the discrete samples, and correlating these levels with the application of the stimuli. Thereafter, the level of the hormone is controlled by applying to the subject those stimuli have been found to produce a desired effect on the level of the hormone in the blood. Biofeedback training and relaxation techniques are used to increase the effectiveness of the method and apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies. An electroencephalogram signal is detected from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials. The subject is instructed to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus. The amplitude of the most positive-going peak of the evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the stimulus is measured. To determine whether the subject suffers from early Alzheimer's disease, the amplitude of the signal is compared to a standard determined by applying the same method to normal subjects. The amplitude of the signal may also be used to provide a feedback signal to the subject for training the subject to improve the subject's semantic memory skills. An apparatus is provided for implementing these steps using digital signal processing, and for providing a biofeedback signal to the subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies. An electroencephalogram signal is detected from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials. The subject is instructed to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus. The amplitude of the most positive-going peak of the evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the stimulus is measured. To determine whether the subject suffers from early Alzheimer's disease, the amplitude of the signal is compared to a standard determined by applying the same method to normal subjects. The amplitude of the signal may also be used to provide a feedback signal to the subject for training the subject to improve the subject's semantic memory skills. An apparatus is provided for implementing these steps using digital signal processing, and for providing a biofeedback signal to the subject.