Sequential changes in the P3 component of the auditory evoked potential in confusional states and dementing illnesses

The P3 component of the auditory evoked potential has been shown to reflect "endogenous" processes related to cognition. This component was measured serially in seven patients who had confusional states or dementing illnesses that fluctuated in severity over time. The latency of P3 component reflected the clinical impression of changes in mental function for each of the patients. These results suggest that the P3 component of the auditory evoked potential provides an objective serial measure of cognitive state that may be useful in following patients with dementing illnesses and in evaluating the effectiveness of any specific therapy.