Dynamic regulation of EEG power and coherence is lost early and globally in probable DAT

Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) include slowing of alpha frequency, loss of alpha band power, increased theta and delta power and reduced coherence. Here it is evaluated whether a) EEG acquisition during different functional states facilitates the detection of DAT-associated EEG changes, and b) EEG changes in mild DAT are topographically confined or global. Power spectra and coherence of EEGs from 29 patients with mild probable DAT and 28 age- and sex-matched controls were compared during three cognitive states. Group differences in power spectra and coherence were largest during resting with eyes open, yielding a 77% correct classification result. Already in early stages of probable DAT, EEG changes were topographically wide-spread. The task-related up- and down-regulation of power and coherence was impaired already in mild probable DAT. We propose to augment clinical EEG assessment by including a quantitative analysis of the dynamic power and coherence changes from rest, eyes closed to eyes open in suspected DAT.