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Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Statistical Modelling of Cortical Connectivity Using Non-invasive Electroencephalograms
Published on: November 1, 2019
Profound regional spectral, connectivity, and network changes reflect visual deficits in posterior cortical atrophy:
Casper T Briels1, Jakoba J Eertink2, Cornelis J Stam2
1Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA-AD) patients exhibit more severe visual deficits than typical Alzheimer's disease (tAD) patients. EEG analysis revealed distinct posterior region slowing in PCA-AD, suggesting regional vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA-AD) presents with more pronounced visuospatial and perceptual impairments compared to typical Alzheimer's disease (tAD).
- Understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of this clinical heterogeneity is crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electroencephalography (EEG) functional alterations in PCA-AD to elucidate mechanisms behind clinical differences.
- To compare EEG findings between PCA-AD, tAD, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- 21-channel EEG recordings were obtained from 29 PCA-AD patients, 29 tAD patients, and 29 matched controls.
- Analysis focused on oscillatory activity, functional connectivity in the alpha band, and network topology (hubness).
Main Results:
- Both PCA-AD and tAD groups showed reduced fast and increased slow oscillatory activity versus controls, with PCA-AD exhibiting more pronounced posterior slowing.
- Alpha band functional connectivity was similarly decreased in both PCA-AD and tAD groups.
- PCA-AD patients displayed a less integrated network topology with reduced posterior and increased frontal hubness. Decreased right parietal peak frequency correlated with poorer visual task performance.
Conclusions:
- The posterior network's vulnerability may underlie the atypical neurodegeneration pattern observed in PCA-AD.
- EEG-derived functional alterations provide insights into the distinct clinical presentation of PCA-AD versus tAD.
