Mind Matters: Neural Differences in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Date
2024
Authors
Kemp, Mckinley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive decline that affects a growing number of older adults worldwide. MCI decreases neural contextual processing, which uses the environment to adjust thoughts and actions. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique to measure changes in brainwave activity, and within it, the P300 event-related potential (ERP) plays a crucial role in processing and identifying stimuli. The relationship between contextual processing, P300 amplitude, and MCI has yet to be fully explored. Therefore, we investigated the difference in P300 amplitude between individuals 60 or older diagnosed with MCI and age-matched controls. Mobile EEG data was collected while participants completed a one-response visual oddball task. Here, we show a decrease in P300 amplitude measured at the right electrode (TP9) for the MCI group compared to the control group during the oddball task. No difference was observed at the left electrode (TP10). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological State (RBANS) diagnostic tests showed no correlation with P300 amplitude. Our results demonstrate the impact of MCI on detecting and processing new environmental information. Further, our findings suggest that decreasing P300 amplitude could be a potential MCI biomarker, revolutionizing early diagnosis and intervention.
Description
Keywords
EEG, P300, mild cognitive impairment, oddball