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Updated: Feb 12, 2026
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Decreased Event-Related Beta Synchronization During Memory Maintenance Marks Early Cognitive Decline in Mild
Zsuzsanna Fodor1, Enikő Sirály1, András Horváth2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a measurable deficit in cognition in the absence of dementia or impairment in activities of daily living. Working memory impairment is among the earliest signs of MCI. Oscillatory analysis of working memory might be a potential tool for identifying patients at increased risk of developing dementia. Our study aimed to assess the temporospatial pattern of spectral differences during working memory maintenance between MCI patients and healthy controls and to compare the sources of oscillatory activity between the two groups. Event-related spectral perturbation of 17 MCI patients and 21 healthy control participants was studied with 128-channel EEG during the Sternberg working memory task. Source localization was performed by using the eLORETA software. Among the participants, 13 MCI and 15 control participants underwent a structural brain MRI examination. Event-related synchronization (ERS) in the alpha and beta frequency band was significantly lower in MCI patients compared to healthy control participants during retention. Both study groups showed significant memory load-related enhancement in both frequency band. In the MCI group, source localization revealed significantly attenuated beta oscillatory activity in the inferior and middle temporal gyrus, in the fusiform gyrus, and in the cuneus. Beta ERS correlated significantly with the size of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and parahippocampal gyrus. During the retention period, MCI is characterized by decreased alpha and beta ERS compared to controls indicating early impairment in neural networks serving working memory maintenance. The assessment of electrophysiological changes in the beta frequency range may provide a useful diagnostic tool for the early detection of cognitive impairment.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is linked to reduced brainwave activity during working memory tasks. This electrophysiological difference may help detect early cognitive decline and dementia risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) presents measurable cognitive deficits without dementia.
- Working memory impairment is an early indicator of MCI.
- Oscillatory analysis of working memory shows potential for identifying dementia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess spectral differences in working memory maintenance between MCI patients and controls.
- To compare sources of oscillatory activity in MCI patients versus healthy individuals.
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of electrophysiological changes for early MCI detection.
Main Methods:
- 128-channel EEG was used to study event-related spectral perturbation during a working memory task.
- Source localization with eLORETA identified brain regions of oscillatory activity.
- Structural MRI was performed on a subset of participants.
Main Results:
- MCI patients exhibited significantly lower alpha and beta band event-related synchronization (ERS) during memory retention compared to controls.
- Both groups showed memory load-related enhancement in alpha and beta bands.
- MCI patients had attenuated beta oscillatory activity in the temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and cuneus, correlating with hippocampal and parahippocampal volumes.
Conclusions:
- MCI is characterized by decreased alpha and beta ERS during working memory maintenance, indicating impaired neural networks.
- Reduced beta oscillatory activity in specific brain regions is observed in MCI.
- Electrophysiological assessment, particularly in the beta frequency range, may serve as a valuable tool for early cognitive impairment detection.
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