Conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease is predicted by sources and coherence of brain electroencephalography rhythms

Neuroscience. 2006 Dec;143(3):793-803. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.08.049. Epub 2006 Oct 13.

Abstract

Objective. Can quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) predict the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD)? Methods. Sixty-nine subjects fulfilling criteria for MCI were enrolled; cortical connectivity (spectral coherence) and (low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) sources of EEG rhythms (delta=2-4 Hz; theta=4-8 Hz; alpha 1=8-10.5 Hz; alpha 2=10.5-13 Hz: beta 1=13-20 Hz; beta 2=20-30 Hz; and gamma=30-40) were evaluated at baseline (time of MCI diagnosis) and follow up (about 14 months later). At follow-up, 45 subjects were still MCI (MCI Stable) and 24 subjects were converted to AD (MCI Converted). Results. At baseline, fronto-parietal midline coherence as well as delta (temporal), theta (parietal, occipital and temporal), and alpha 1 (central, parietal, occipital, temporal, limbic) sources were stronger in MCI Converted than stable subjects (P<0.05). Cox regression modeling showed low midline coherence and weak temporal source associated with 10% annual rate AD conversion, while this rate increased up to 40% and 60% when strong temporal delta source and high midline gamma coherence were observed respectively. Interpretation. Low-cost and diffuse computerized EEG techniques are able to statistically predict MCI to AD conversion.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Mapping
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Regression Analysis
  • Spectrum Analysis