title: EEG markers of future cognitive performance in the elderly.
abstract: This exploratory follow-up study investigated whether EEG parameters can predict future cognitive performance. Forty elderly subjects, ranging from cognitively unimpaired to those with Alzheimer disease underwent EEG registration at baseline and neuropsychological examination at both baseline and follow-up. We assessed relations between EEG measures and future cognitive performance (i.e., global cognition, memory, language, and executive functioning) controlling for age, follow-up time, and baseline cognitive performance. Regression models were constructed to predict performance on the Cambridge Cognitive Examination, a widely used tool within dementia screenings. Baseline EEG measures, i.e., increased theta activity (4-8 Hz) during eyes closed and less alpha reactivity (8-13 Hz) during eyes open and memory activation, indicated lower global cognitive, language (trend significant), and executive performance at follow-up. A regression model combining baseline cognitive and EEG measures provided the best prediction of future Cambridge Cognitive Examination performance (93%). EEG and cognitive measures alone predicted, respectively, 43% and 92% of variance. EEG and cognitive measures combined provided the best prediction of future cognitive performance. Although the "cognition only" model showed similar predictive power, the EEG provided significant additional value. The added value of EEG registration in the diagnostic work-up of dementia should be further assessed in larger samples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (Neuropsychology section), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. K.van_der_Hiele@lumc.nl
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: van der Hiele
authors.forename: Eduard L E M
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Bollen
authors.forename: Alla A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Vein
authors.forename: Robert H A M
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Reijntjes
authors.forename: Rudi G J
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Westendorp
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: van Buchem
authors.forename: Huub A M
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Middelkoop
authors.forename: J Gert
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: van Dijk
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies