EEG and MRI correlates of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether cognitive function in the spectrum of normal aging to Alzheimer's disease is better reflected in MRI or EEG measures, or a combination of both.


METHODS
Cognitive functions were tested in 33 elderly subjects: 10 with probable Alzheimer's disease, 11 with mild cognitive impairment and 12 controls. Structural brain parameters were derived from conventional MRI and a quantitative MR technique called magnetization transfer imaging. The EEG provided measures of brain function. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to relate EEG and MRI parameters to global cognition, memory, language and psychomotor speed.


RESULTS
The model showed EEG alpha reactivity during eyes open to be the primary factor associated with global cognition, memory and language skills. Brain atrophy was the primary factor associated with psychomotor speed. Furthermore, EEG alpha reactivity during eyes open explained significant additional variability in psychomotor speed.


CONCLUSIONS
EEG and MRI are each associated with different aspects of cognitive function and complement each other in their relations to psychomotor speed.
van der Hiele
K
K
Department of Neurology, Neuropsychology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. K.van_der_Hiele@lumc.nl
Vein
A A
AA
van der Welle
A
A
van der Grond
J
J
Westendorp
R G J
RG
Bollen
E L E M
EL
van Buchem
M A
MA
van Dijk
J G
JG
Middelkoop
H A M
HA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis