Functional changes in brain oscillations in dementia: a review.
Andreina Giustiniani1, Laura Danesin1, Beatrice Bozzetto1
1IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, via Alberoni 70, 30126 Venice, Italy.
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) show distinct brain wave patterns in dementia. These neurophysiological changes, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, may serve as early diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are increasingly recognized for their role in cognitive function.
- Alterations in brain activity are implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on EEG and MEG changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), and vascular dementia (VaD).
- To identify pathology-specific electrophysiological patterns for differential diagnosis.
- To explore the relationship between neurophysiological alterations and cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of previous studies analyzing brain oscillations.
- Focus on changes in frequency power, functional connectivity, and event-related potentials.
- Correlation analysis between electrophysiological data and cognitive test performance.
Main Results:
- Common patterns across AD, VaD, and FTD include increased slow-wave activity (theta, delta) and decreased fast-wave activity (alpha, beta).
- Alzheimer's disease specifically shows altered latencies and amplitudes in event-related potentials compared to controls.
- Observed neurophysiological changes generally correlate with cognitive impairments.
Conclusions:
- Distinct electrophysiological patterns are associated with different types of dementia.
- Neurophysiological changes, especially in Alzheimer's disease, show potential as reliable early biomarkers for dementia.
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