Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development
Published on: April 9, 2014
Early protein energy malnutrition impacts life-long developmental trajectories of the sources of EEG rhythmic
Jorge Bosch-Bayard1, Fuleah Abdul Razzaq2, Carlos Lopez-Naranjo2
1The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; McGill Center for Integrative Neuroscience Center MCIN. Ludmer Center for Mental Health. Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Insights
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in infancy may lead to lasting brain development issues. Early EEG abnormalities in PEM survivors suggest potential links to accelerated cognitive decline later in life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) during early life can have enduring effects on brain development and cognitive abilities.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the lifelong impact of early nutritional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early-life Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) on resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) source activity trajectories.
- To examine the relationship between early-life PEM and cognitive function across the lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quantitative EEG (qEEGt) source z-spectra to assess deviations from normative EEG rhythmic activity in individuals with and without a history of early-life PEM.
- Tracked developmental trajectories of EEG activity from childhood (5-11 years) to adulthood (45-51 years) in participants of the Barbados Nutrition Study (BNS).
Main Results:
- Individuals with a history of early-life PEM exhibited significant qEEGt abnormalities in childhood.
- Observed a developmental delay in alpha rhythm maturation and insufficient decrease in beta activity in the PEM group during childhood.
- These childhood EEG profiles in PEM survivors were potentially linked to accelerated cognitive decline observed later in life.
Conclusions:
- Early-life Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is associated with persistent alterations in brain electrical activity.
- Childhood EEG abnormalities in PEM survivors may serve as biomarkers for later cognitive decline.
- Lifelong monitoring and interventions may be necessary for individuals with a history of early-life malnutrition.
Abstract:
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) has lifelong consequences on brain development and cognitive function. We studied the lifelong developmental trajectories of resting-state EEG source activity in 66 individuals with histories of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) limited to the first year of life and in 83 matched classmate controls (CON) who are all participants of the 49 years longitudinal Barbados Nutrition Study (BNS). qEEGt source z-spectra measured deviation from normative values of EEG rhythmic activity sources at 5-11 years of age and 40 years later at 45-51 years of age. The PEM group showed qEEGt abnormalities in childhood, including a developmental delay in alpha rhythm maturation and an insufficient decrease in beta activity. These profiles may be correlated with accelerated cognitive decline.
