What is EEG?

EEG measures your brain waves by placing a specialised cap on your head. This cap is attached to a computer to process and store the signals. It is a passive measure, which means that the sensors in the cap simply pick up the brain signals. The sensors do not emit any electrical activity themselves.

What do I have to do during the EEG test? 

During the EEG test, you will mainly use your smartphone while wearing the EEG cap and some additional sensors on your hands.

Can anyone included in agestudy.nl participate in EEG test?  

Yes, everyone can participate in the EEG test. However, this is only possible if there are EEG slots open. You can sign up for the EEG test via email, this way we can make an appointment for you. 

Before starting the measures, we will clean parts your face and head with an alcohol-based disinfectant. If you have sensitive skin or allergy to alcohol-based disinfectants, we do not recommend this measure. These measurements also require you sit on a comfortable chair for an hour or longer.  

Where will the EEG test take place?

EEG tests will occur at the Pieter de la Court building of Leiden University (Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden).

How long does the EEG test take?  

On the date of the EEG measure you will spend up to 4 hours with us in our building in Leiden. During this time, you can use your smartphone with limited phone or voice calls. Further explanation will follow if you decide to participate in the EEG study. You will also be able to relax and use your smartphone in public areas of the building, including the cafeteria. There are toilets available in the building. The first hour of the measurement will occur in the laboratory.

What happens after the EEG test?

For the EEG test a salty gel will be used, which can be washed out with water. You are welcome to wash your hair in our shower. We also offer hairnets to keep the salty gel from spreading further, so you can wash your hair at home.

How do I prepare for the EEG measurement?  

• Charge and bring your smartphone. Please try to have your phone charged and also bring your own charger with you. This is to ensure you have enough battery when using your phone in the laboratory. 
• Wash your hair the night before or 4 hours before your EEG measure (and dry it!). Wet hair and scalp add to our preparation time, but unwashed hair is also problematic for the EEG measure. So please wash well several hours before the EEG measure takes place.  Do not apply any hair gel or spray until we have finished the measurements please! 
• Bring your own shampoo and towel (and other products you may need to wash your hair after the EEG test). In CODELAB we will apply a sticky and salty gel in order for us to be able to make contact with your skin, and removing this requires a good hair wash. We do have a shower available in the building. We would like to ask you to please bring your own towel, hair brush and make-up. We typically carry some (baby) shampoo, but we recommend you bring your own to guarantee that your hair gets the right treatment.   If you plan to wash your hair at home after the EEG test, then bring along a cap so you can cover your hair with a protective hairnet – and continue to look fashionable in public.  
• Wear contact lenses? Then please bring your glasses along just in case those are more comfortable than the contacts in the laboratory. Most participants blink a lot whilst wearing contacts, which influences our measurements. Therefore, we prefer to measure with glasses on instead of contacts.