Cognitive health & wellness, encompassing cognition, cognitive function, mental health, and the prevention of cognitive decline, is a growing focus in contemporary health and wellness initiatives. Innovative technologies such as spatial audio, immersive music experiences, Virtual Reality (VR) and wearable devices are emerging as promising tools to enhance cognitive wellness.

The Vibes AI research and development teams are currently leading exploration of these advancements using artificial intelligence (AI) to build neural engines that leverage findings and scale accessibility to solutions in proactive cognitive health & wellness.

Spatial Audio and Immersive Music

Spatial audio, which creates a 3D sound experience, and immersive music environments have shown potential in reducing stress and improving mental health. Greenberg et al. (2021) conducted a pilot study using a spatial audio application called "Prelude" by Composure. This Virtual Reality application combines spatialized sound with a virtual environment to provide a calming experience. The study found that both clinical (individuals with depression and anxiety) and non-clinical participants experienced significant reductions in stress and negative mood states after using the application.

Music-based interventions have a long history of therapeutic use, as evidenced by the effectiveness of music therapy in clinical settings. Music therapy can enhance attention, improve communication and social skills, and reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD. However, access to music therapies can be limited due to geographical, financial, and logistical constraints. This is where digital applications like Vibes AI, Calm, and Prelude can bridge the gap, providing therapeutic benefits between sessions with certified therapists.

​Audio Devices for Wellness

Spatial audio devices represent an advancement in cognitive wellness technology. These devices can provide real-time auditory stimulation tailored to the user's needs, promoting mental health and addressing preventable cognitive decline. By delivering therapeutic music and immersive audio experiences directly to the users, devices can support stress reduction, mood improvement, and overall mental health. With the right sensors, these devices can continuously monitor the user's cognitive state and adjust the auditory experience accordingly, providing a dynamic and responsive tools.

Cognitive Wellness and Mental Health

The implications of spatial audio and smart devices for cognitive wellness are profound. The ability to reduce stress and improve mood through immersive audio experiences can significantly impact mental health outcomes. Greenberg et al. (2021) found that the spatial audio application Prelude VR experience effectively decreased stress and negative mood states, particularly for individuals with clinical conditions such as depression and anxiety. This suggests that spatial audio can be a valuable supplement to traditional therapies, offering immediate, low cost relief and support for mental health challenges.​

Preventing Cognitive Decline

Cognitive wellness is vital at all ages and stages of life, but is often overlooked from childhood to age 65. Costs of cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), Alzheimer's and related dementias will reach $360 billion in 2024 with Medicare and Medicaid covering $231 billion. By 2050, costs are expected to approach $1 trillion. Twelve risk factors for cognitive decline drive 16 chronic conditions, representing 7.67% of global chronic illness costs, projecting a $47 trillion problem by 2030.  Preventable cognitive decline remains unsolved due to limited access to individualized clinical cognitive health information, high costs of assessments & testing, and insufficient public awareness about lifestyle impacts. Expensive brain scans, specialist consultations, and the necessity for primary care referrals hinder timely intervention and lifelong brain health.  (Lancet 2020)

The introduction of spatial audio and wearable technologies can address preventive cognitive decline when integrated with assessment, ongoing tracking, and the encouragement of restorative activities that influence behaviors and suggest timely, individualized spatial-based vibrational therapies.  Immersive audio experiences can provide this stimulation, engaging the brain in ways that promote neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience. (Lancet 2020)

Devices equipped with spatial audio capabilities can deliver tailored cognitive exercises, musical therapy, and auditory experiences that keep the brain active and engaged. This proactive approach to cognitive wellness can help delay the onset of age related cognitive decline, improving the quality of life for aging populations.

Future Explorations

The future of cognitive wellness lies in the integration of advanced technologies like spatial audio and wearable devices into everyday life. These tools offer accessible, personalized, and effective ways to support mental health and prevent cognitive decline. Vibes AI stands as a pioneer in the research to fully understand the long-term benefits and potential applications of these technologies.

Greenberg et al. (2021) highlight the need for more extensive studies using physiological and behavioral metrics to validate their findings. Additionally, exploring the effects of these technologies on diverse populations, including children and individuals with various cognitive conditions, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of their impact.

Spatial audio, immersive music & vibroacoustic therapy experiences, and wearable technology represent the next frontier in bio-tech and cognitive wellness. By leveraging these technologies, we can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and prevent cognitive decline. The pilot study by Greenberg et al. (2021) provides promising science-backed evidence for the effectiveness of spatial audio applications, paving the way for future innovations in this field.

As we continue to explore and integrate these advancements, the potential for improving cognitive wellness and overall quality of life is immense.

References

Greenberg, D. M., Bodner, E., Shrira, A., & Fricke, K. R. (2021). Decreasing stress through a spatial audio and immersive 3D environment: A pilot study with implications for clinical and medical settings. Music & Science, 4, 1-12.

Porter, S., McConnell, T., Clarke, M., Kirkwood, J., Hughes, N., Zajicek, A., ... & Prowse, M. (2017). Music therapy for children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(10), 856-865.

Zhao, K., Bai, Z. G., Bo, A., & Chi, I. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of music therapy for the older adults with depression. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 31(11), 1188-1198.