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Fasting and Cognitive Load-Related Changes in Quantitative EEG Measures During an N-Back Task.
Adrián Ávila-Garibay1, Andrés A González-Garrido1, Fabiola R Gómez-Velázquez1
1Instituto de Neurociencias, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, México. Francisco de Quevedo 180, 44130, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Universidad de Guadalajara Instituto de Neurociencias Universidad de Guadalajara GuadalajaraJalisco Mexico.
Fasting may subtly alter brain activity, particularly increasing frontal theta power during demanding cognitive tasks. This suggests potential, transient changes in cognitive control mechanisms due to prolonged fasting.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Attentional processes are crucial for cognitive function.
- The impact of fasting on quantitative electroencephalographic activity (qEEG) is not well understood.
- Previous research suggests potential links between metabolic states and brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of an 18-hour fasting period on behavioral performance and qEEG absolute power during an n-back task.
- To examine how cognitive load interacts with fasting to influence brain activity.
- To explore the specific changes in theta and alpha power associated with fasting and cognitive demand.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six participants completed an n-back task under two conditions: fasting and regular breakfast.
- The task involved two levels of cognitive load.
- Quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) data were recorded and analyzed for absolute power in theta and alpha bands.
- Artifact-free EEG epochs were selected for analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher cognitive load led to decreased accuracy and increased frontal and parietal theta power.
- Fasting showed a relevant increase in theta power over frontal areas.
- Alpha power increased in left-frontocentral locations.
- A significant interaction between cognitive load and recording site was observed for theta power.
Conclusions:
- While fasting did not drastically alter overall EEG power, it was associated with increased frontal theta power, potentially indicating transient changes in cognitive control.
- Cognitive load significantly impacts attentional performance and brain activity, particularly theta power.
- The findings contribute to understanding the interplay between metabolic state, cognitive load, and neural activity.
