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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Electroencephalography and single photon emission computed tomography in dementia: a comparative study
E P Sloan1, G W Fenton, N S Kennedy
1Department of Psychiatry, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
Psychological Medicine
|May 1, 1995
Summary
This study found that electroencephalography (EEG) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans show significant associations with clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease (AD), multi-infarct dementia (MID), and functional psychiatric illness is clinically challenging.
- Neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods offer potential for objective diagnostic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of EEG and SPECT (99mTc HMPAO) in differentiating AD, MID, and major depressive disorder.
- To assess the concordance between EEG findings, SPECT regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) patterns, and clinical diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Elderly patients diagnosed with AD, MID, or major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R criteria) underwent cognitive testing, EEG, and SPECT scans.
- EEG and SPECT scans were independently analyzed and categorized (e.g., AD-type, vascular-type, normal).
- Correlations between clinical diagnosis, EEG categories, and SPECT rCBF patterns were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between clinical diagnoses and both EEG and SPECT findings.
- Approximately 75% of AD and MID patients exhibited predicted EEG and SPECT patterns.
- Normal EEG was more frequent in MID patients. Concordance between EEG and SPECT was observed in about two-thirds of cases.
- Abnormal rCBF changes, primarily vascular, were detected in nearly half of patients diagnosed with functional illness.
Conclusions:
- EEG and SPECT imaging show considerable diagnostic value in differentiating dementia subtypes and identifying organic changes in some functionally ill patients.
- These neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques can aid in the differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
- The combination of EEG and SPECT is rarely normal in patients with organic brain pathology.
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01:14Brain Imaging
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These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...