Association between quantitative EEG and neurocognition in methamphetamine-dependent volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
Exposure to methamphetamine is associated with long-lasting reductions in markers for dopaminergic neurons in preclinical models and in humans. These changes may be associated with alterations in brain electrical activity and in cognition.


METHODS
The sample included 9 methamphetamine-dependent subjects and 10 non-drug-using volunteers. Methamphetamine-dependent subjects were hospitalized for 4 days to document abstinence; non-drug-using volunteers were studied as outpatients. EEGs were recorded in the eyes-closed resting state, and absolute EEG power in each frequency band (0.5-4 Hz, 4-8 Hz, 8-12 Hz, and 12-20 Hz) was measured using a fast Fourier transform. EEG power was log-transformed prior to analysis. Cognition was measured using computerized reaction time tasks.


RESULTS
Within the methamphetamine-dependent group only, increased theta quantitative EEG (QEEG) power correlated significantly with reaction time on tasks that were more difficult or that were degraded by fatigue. Increased theta QEEG power also correlated with reduced accuracy on a working memory task.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased QEEG power in the theta band is associated with worse performance on reaction time tasks in the methamphetamine-dependent sample but not in the non-drug-using volunteers.


CONCLUSIONS
Methamphetamine dependence is associated with pathological alterations in brain electrical activity and in cognitive performance. QEEG appears to provide a sensitive measure of methamphetamine-associated alterations in brain function.
Newton
Thomas F
TF
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Neuropsychiatric Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Room A7-372, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. tnewton@ucla.edu
Kalechstein
Ari D
AD
Hardy
David J
DJ
Cook
Ian A
IA
Nestor
Liam
L
Ling
Walter
W
Leuchter
Andrew F
AF
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008694:Methamphetamine; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine