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

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.08.049
• Publication Date: 2006-11-21T12:34:06Z
• Authors: P.M. Rossini; C. Del Percio; P. Pasqualetti; E. Cassetta; G. Binetti; G. Dal Forno; F. Ferreri; G. Frisoni; P. Chiovenda; C. Miniussi; L. Parisi; M. Tombini; F. Vecchio; C. Babiloni
• Keywords: Male; Analysis of Variance; Brain Mapping; Spectrum Analysis; Electroencephalography; Neuropsychological Tests; Alzheimer's disease; cognitive decline; dementia; EEG; mild cognitive impairment; neurodegeneration; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Analysis of Variance; Brain Mapping; Case-Control Studies; Cognition Disorders; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Mental Status Schedule; Neuropsychological Tests; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Regression Analysis; Spectrum Analysis; Electroencephalography; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Alzheimer Disease; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Case-Control Studies; Disease Progression; Humans; Regression Analysis; Female; Cognition Disorders; Mental Status Schedule; Aged; Follow-Up Studies

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.