Decoding alzheimer's: The role of EEG rhythms and aperiodic components in cognitive decline

To investigate detailed alterations in brain electrical activity and their relationship with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum analysis.

EEG data from 80 AD patients and 80 healthy control (HC) were analyzed, focusing on theta and alpha band powers, aperiodic offset, and exponent. Topographic and gender-specific analyses were conducted to explore associations with disease progression and cognitive impairment.

AD patients showed increased theta and alpha band powers, with theta band power exhibiting statistically significant differences. Globally elevated theta band power correlated with cognitive impairment severity. Higher aperiodic offsets and exponents were observed in AD patients, exhibiting upward trends with disease progression. Male AD patients displayed more pronounced EEG abnormalities and unique Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score patterns.

Our findings highlight the critical role of theta band power in AD pathology and suggest potential EEG biomarkers for neurodegenerative changes. Gender-specific differences emphasize the importance of personalized approaches in AD diagnosis and treatment.

This study provides novel neurophysiological insights into AD, underscoring the clinical utility of EEG markers and the necessity for gender-specific considerations in precision medicine for AD.