Resting-state Alpha Reactivity Is Reduced in Parkinson's Disease and Associated With Gait Variability

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• The cholinergic system's role in Parkinson's disease (PD) gait impairments is not fully understood.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) alpha reactivity is a potential indicator of cholinergic function.
• Investigating EEG alpha reactivity in PD may reveal insights into gait disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare EEG alpha reactivity between individuals with PD and healthy controls.
• To examine the association between EEG alpha reactivity and gait parameters in PD.

Main Methods:

• Recorded resting-state EEG (eyes-closed and eyes-open) from 20 PD patients and 19 healthy controls.
• Calculated alpha reactivity as the relative change in alpha power over occipital electrodes.
• Assessed gait spatiotemporal measures using an electronic walkway.

Main Results:

• Individuals with PD exhibited significantly reduced alpha reactivity compared to healthy controls.
• The difference in alpha reactivity between groups was not significant after controlling for global cognition.
• Reduced alpha reactivity was moderately correlated with increased gait variability (ρ = -.437 to -.532).

Conclusions:

• Reduced resting-state alpha reactivity in PD suggests impaired cholinergic function.
• The association between alpha reactivity and gait variability highlights the cholinergic system's role in gait.
• The cholinergic system and alpha reactivity warrant further investigation as therapeutic targets and clinical trial endpoints for PD.