Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Using Electroencephalography Measurements and High-quality Video Recording for Analyzing Visual Perception of Media Content
Published on: May 26, 2018
Eye Blink Rate as a biological marker of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Aristea Ladas1, Christos Frantzidis2, Panagiotis Bamidis2
1Psychology Dept., The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College, and South East European Research Center, SEERC, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract:
We investigated the relationship between dopamine activity (DA), as measured by Eye Blink Rate (EBR), and cognitive function in old adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and healthy controls. Research has been inconclusive so far about the factors responsible for the transition from MCI to dementia. However, some studies suggest that cortical hyperexcitability in very early stages of pathological aging may progressively lead to cell death, and thus to Alzheimer's disease. Hence, we speculated that a dysfunction of DA activity, as measured by EBR, may characterize people with MCI, and account for their poor cognitive function. Thirty three (33) healthy and thirty six (36) old adults with MCI (Mean age = 67.52 y.o.) participated in this study. The EBR was recorded under resting conditions, using two gold skin electrodes above and below the left eye. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Participants with MCI showed significantly higher EBR than the healthy controls. Also, EBR was negatively related to scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA) test. We propose that abnormally increased dopamine activity, as indexed by relatively high EBR, may be partially responsible for the neurotransmitter imbalance in the central nervous system of people with MCI, and the overall impaired cognitive performance. In addition, this finding suggests that an abnormally high EBR may be a potential biomarker of the transition from healthy aging to dementia.
Insights
Older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) exhibit higher dopamine activity (DA), indicated by increased Eye Blink Rate (EBR). This elevated EBR correlates with poorer cognitive function, suggesting it may predict dementia progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The factors driving the transition from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to dementia remain unclear.
- Cortical hyperexcitability in early pathological aging may contribute to neuronal death and Alzheimer's disease.
- Dopamine activity (DA) dysfunction might characterize MCI and explain cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dopamine activity (DA), measured by Eye Blink Rate (EBR), and cognitive function in older adults with MCI and healthy controls.
- To explore if altered DA activity, reflected by EBR, is associated with cognitive performance in MCI.
- To assess the potential of EBR as a biomarker for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three healthy older adults and thirty-six older adults with MCI participated.
- Eye Blink Rate (EBR) was recorded under resting conditions using electrodermal activity.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, including the MoCA.
Main Results:
- Participants with MCI demonstrated significantly higher EBR compared to healthy controls.
- A negative correlation was observed between EBR and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.
- Higher EBR was linked to poorer performance on cognitive assessments.
Conclusions:
- Abnormally increased dopamine activity, indicated by elevated EBR, may contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances in MCI.
- Elevated EBR could be a potential biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of progressing from healthy aging to dementia.
- These findings suggest a role for DA dysregulation in the pathophysiology of MCI.
