Oscillatory and aperiodic neuronal activity in working memory following anesthesia
Janna D Lendner1, Ulrich Harler2, Jonathan Daume3
1Dept. of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Anesthesia impairs memory function, but electroencephalography (EEG) markers are limited. This study found that specific brain activity patterns, particularly aperiodic activity, can predict postoperative cognitive deficits in older men undergoing prostatectomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Anesthesia and surgery can lead to cognitive impairment, especially memory deficits.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) markers for perioperative memory function are currently scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify electroencephalography (EEG) markers of memory function during the perioperative period.
- To investigate the relationship between specific EEG activity and cognitive changes after anesthesia and surgery.
Main Methods:
- Included male patients over 60 undergoing prostatectomy under general anesthesia.
- Assessed cognitive function (verbal learning, visual working memory) and recorded 62-channel scalp EEG before and after surgery.
Main Results:
- Verbal learning significantly deteriorated after anesthesia.
- Aperiodic brain activity correlated with better verbal learning.
- Oscillatory brain activity (theta/alpha, beta, gamma bands) tracked visual working memory accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Both oscillatory and aperiodic brain activity in EEG can track distinct aspects of perioperative memory function.
- Aperiodic activity shows potential as an EEG biomarker for identifying patients at risk of postoperative cognitive impairment.
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