Betting on biomarkers: Validating mobile EEG and RewP for the early detection of MCI
Date
2026
Authors
Gagnon, Alyssa
Barss, Isaac
Henri-Bhargava, Alexandre
Krigolson, Olave E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
The rising prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) highlights the need for the development of efficient, cost-effective diagnostic tools to improve early detection. Current diagnostic standards rely on resource-intensive neuroimaging and neuropsychological batteries that are often expensive, time-consuming, and subject to bias. This study investigates whether mobile electroencephalography (EEG) can act as a scalable screening alternative by utilizing the Reward Positivity (RewP), an event-related potential (ERP) component reflecting positive feedback evaluation.
In this study, 74 participants (42 healthy controls, 32 individuals classified as MCI) completed the "Doors" task gambling paradigm while EEG data was recorded via the CGX Dev Kit mobile EEG system. Results revealed that individuals in the MCI group demonstrated significantly lower RewP amplitudes when compared with healthy controls. Additionally, linear regression showed a positive relationship between RewP amplitude and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, the current clinical gold standard for cognitive assessment. These findings suggest that mobile EEG is sensitive to early-stage neurodegenerative changes that precede functional deficits. By providing a rapid, objective measure of neural processing, this technology supports widespread early detection to preserve independence and quality of life in aging populations. Future research should explore the reliability of RewP metrics in tracking longitudinal disease progression.
Description
Keywords
mild cognitive impairment, mobile EEG, reward positivity, feedback processing, dementia, Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA), Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory