Semantic processing and ERP responses in mild cognitive impairment (MCI): A scoping review article

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents a critical transitional phase between normal aging and dementia, carrying an elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease.
• Event-related potentials (ERPs) offer sensitive electrophysiological markers of neural processing, potentially identifying cognitive dysfunction earlier than behavioral assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize findings from event-related potential (ERP) studies investigating language processing in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) compared to healthy elderly (HE) participants.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was performed, adhering to the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Literature searches were conducted in PsycINFO and PubMed for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and April 2025.
• Studies utilizing ERP measures during language-based tasks in both MCI and HE groups were included for analysis.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing significant alterations in ERP components (N400, FN400, LPC/P600, N200, P300) related to semantic and memory processing in individuals with MCI.
• Common findings included reduced amplitudes, prolonged latencies, and altered scalp distributions of ERPs in the MCI group compared to HE participants.
• ERP abnormalities were observed even with comparable behavioral performance, indicating ERPs' sensitivity to subtle cognitive deficits and potential predictive value for Alzheimer's disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Event-related potential (ERP) measures effectively distinguish Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from healthy aging.
• ERPs demonstrate significant potential as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of cognitive decline and for monitoring disease progression in neurodegenerative conditions.