Repetitive active and passive cognitive stimulations induce EEG changes in patients with Rett syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder causing severe cognitive impairment in females.
• Cognitive stimulation is explored as a potential therapeutic approach.
• Attention deficits are a key challenge in Rett syndrome learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of game-based cognitive stimulation on EEG spectral patterns in girls with Rett syndrome.
• To assess the impact of this stimulation on attention during learning tasks.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen girls diagnosed with Rett syndrome participated in four sessions.
• Each session included resting-state recordings and cognitive tasks.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) relative power and spectral entropy were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Cognitive stimulation induced significant EEG changes, including shifts from delta to theta and beta power over four days.
• Topographic maps showed affected brain areas, with the most impact observed on the first day.
• Resting-state EEG patterns evolved to resemble those during cognitive activities by the fourth day.

Conclusions:

• Game-based cognitive stimulation leads to substantial EEG spectral changes in Rett syndrome.
• These changes suggest enhanced brain activation and potential cognitive improvements, particularly in attention.
• Further research is needed to optimize cognitive stimulation therapies for individuals with Rett syndrome.