EEG changes induced by dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease with impulse control disorders

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are a common complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients undergoing dopaminergic therapy. Although neurophysiological markers of ICDs have been identified, the effect of dopaminergic therapy on these markers is not fully understood. This study investigates the effect of dopaminergic therapy on EEG oscillatory activity in PD patients with and without ICDs.

A total of 26 PD patients-14 with ICDs (PD + ICD) and 12 healthy controls (HC)-participated. EEG recordings were obtained during regular dopamine therapy (ON) and after overnight withdrawal (OFF). Spectral analysis assessed group differences in EEG activity and the effect of dopaminergic treatment, while correlations between neurophysiological parameters and impulsivity were analysed.

Results showed increased theta power (4-7.5 Hz) in the fronto-central regions of PD+ICD patients in the OFF state compared to healthy controls. In the ON state, PD+ICD patients showed increased frontal high beta (21-30 Hz) and central alpha (8-12 Hz) activity. Frontal beta activity correlated with impulsivity, independent of treatment dose.

PD + ICD patients show distinct neurophysiological profiles influenced by dopaminergic treatment, highlighting the modulatory effect of therapy on EEG patterns in these patients.

This study highlights the modulatory effect of dopaminergic therapy on EEG oscillatory patterns in PD patients with ICDs.