How Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) Could Help People with ALS Communicate

Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, aim to enable people to control various adaptive devices directly with their thoughts. There are many BCI devices currently in various stages of development, with the potential to help people with ALS and similar conditions across many different activities of daily life. One particular area in which BCI devices may be able to support people with advanced ALS symptoms is communication. Many people with ALS rely on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to write or speak. All tools like these, collectively known as augmentative and alternative communication or AAC devices, need some kind of input to work. This could mean using a keyboard, a touchscreen, or, for people with advanced paralysis, an eye-gaze device. As ALS progresses, however, even eye gaze devices may become difficult for some people to use. BCIs—by allowing people to control AAC devices with their minds—could be a potential solution to this problem. Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by two experts to discuss BCI technology and, in particular, its potential to help people with ALS continue to communicate. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not represent official endorsements by any organization. Kate Nilsen currently serves as an advisor to Synchron, a company developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) device. This device is investigational and is currently in clinical trials approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For those interested in staying informed about Synchron’s ongoing work and updates, please join the Synchron community: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4239f747/ca21cbCpKkOSLI5ZXNqTdQ?u=https://www.synchronbci.com/StayConnected.html Support the show: https://www.als.net/donate/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.