IF you have always found it impossible to get your head around maths, help could finally be at hand.

Experimental psychologists at Oxford University believe they can help those left bemused by algebra, quadratic equations and long division by passing electric currents through their brains.

Now they are looking for Oxford residents who fancy boosting their mathematical abilities to give transcranial electrical stimulation a go.

A world away from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dr Roi Cohen Kadosh said early results showed the effects of a week of brain-boosting could last six months.

He said: “I would not be surprised if within five or 10 years, people plug a simple device into their iPad to stimulate their brain if they want to improve their language skills, maths, learn French or learn the piano.”

The best results have come when people undergo cognitive training, such as brainteaser puzzles or maths tests, while their heads are connected to the electrodes.

A hundred volunteers in Oxford have already had a week’s worth of daily 20-minute sessions.

Dr Cohen Kadosh said: “Many people experience problems with maths, and we have started seeing improved abilities. What we have found is that we can enhance people’s mathematical abilities.”

For over a decade, scientists have experimented with using electricity to boost the brain performance of people with neurological conditions.

But these are among the first tests carried out with the hope of boosting healthy people’s mental abilities.

Tiny electrodes are hooked up to the outside of the head, and tiny currents of one millionth of an amp are passed through areas of the brain.

By connecting the electrodes to different parts of the head, different mental abilities can be enhanced by triggering the release of neuro-chemicals in the brain.

Dr Cohen Kadosh, based in South Parks Road, said: “If Oxford Mail readers know someone or have someone in the family who might be interested in this, they might benefit from it and we might benefit from it.

“At this stage we are not able to promise any improvements because we are still experimenting, but it will help better our understanding of how to improve it.

“Most of the efforts in this field are on neurological patients, which is important but should not be the only focus. The work could also help elderly people suffering cognitive decline, or adults and children with attention problems or low language skills.”

the doctor on roi.

cohenkadosh@psy.ox.ac.uk