Comparison of resting-state EEG between adults with Down syndrome and typically developing controls

Abstract Background Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) worldwide. Understanding electrophysiological characteristics associated with DS provides potential mechanistic insights into ID, helping inform biomarkers and targets for intervention. Currently, electrophysiological characteristics associated with DS remain unclear due to methodological differences between studies and inadequate controls for cognitive decline as a potential cofounder. Methods Eyes-closed resting-state EEG measures (specifically delta, theta, alpha, and beta absolute and relative powers, and alpha peak amplitude, frequency and frequency variance) in occipital and frontal regions were compared between adults with DS (with no diagnosis of dementia or evidence of cognitive decline) and typically developing (TD) matched controls (n = 25 per group). Results We report an overall ‘slower’ EEG spectrum, characterised by higher delta and theta power, and lower alpha and beta power, for both regions in people with DS. Alpha activity in particular showed strong group differences, including lower power, lower peak amplitude and greater peak frequency variance in people with DS. Conclusions Such EEG ‘slowing’ has previously been associated with cognitive decline in both DS and TD populations. These findings indicate the potential existence of a universal EEG signature of cognitive impairment, regardless of origin (neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative), warranting further exploration.

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Resting-state MEG measurement of functional activation as a biomarker for cognitive decline in MS

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458518810260 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (14) ◽

pp. 1896-1906 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Deborah N Schoonhoven ◽

Matteo Fraschini ◽

Prejaas Tewarie ◽

Bernard MJ Uitdehaag ◽

Anand JC Eijlers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Function ◽

Peak Frequency ◽

Cognitively Impaired ◽

Clinical Neurology ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Gender And Education ◽

Cognitive Disturbances

Background: Neurophysiological measures of brain function, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), are widely used in clinical neurology and have strong relations with cognitive impairment and dementia but are still underdeveloped in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To demonstrate the value of clinically applicable MEG-measures in evaluating cognitive impairment in MS. Methods: In eyes-closed resting-state, MEG data of 83 MS patients and 34 healthy controls (HCs) peak frequencies and relative power of six canonical frequency bands for 78 cortical and 10 deep gray matter (DGM) areas were calculated. Linear regression models, correcting for age, gender, and education, assessed the relation between cognitive performance and MEG biomarkers. Results: Increased alpha1 and theta power was strongly associated with impaired cognition in patients, which differed between cognitively impaired (CI) patients and HCs in bilateral parietotemporal cortices. CI patients had a lower peak frequency than HCs. Oscillatory slowing was also widespread in the DGM, most pronounced in the thalamus. Conclusion: There is a clinically relevant slowing of neuronal activity in MS patients in parietotemporal cortical areas and the thalamus, strongly related to cognitive impairment. These measures hold promise for the application of resting-state MEG as a biomarker for cognitive disturbances in MS in a clinical setting.

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Assessing the Retest Reliability of Prefrontal EEG Markers of Brain Rhythm Slowing in the Eyes-Closed Resting State

Clinical EEG and Neuroscience ◽

10.1177/1550059420914832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (5) ◽

pp. 348-356 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jungmi Choi ◽

Eunjo Lim ◽

Min-Goo Park ◽

Wonseok Cha

Keyword(s):

Resting State ◽

Brain Aging ◽

Low Cost ◽

Peak Frequency ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Median Frequency ◽

Brain Functions ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Alpha Beta ◽

Prefrontal Lobe

Objective. We examined whether prefrontal lobe EEG markers of slower brain rhythms, which are correlated with functional brain aging, can reliably reflect those of other brain lobes, as measured by a multichannel device. Methods. EEG measurements were taken of 112 healthy individuals aged 20 to 69 years in the eyes-closed resting state. A 5-minute measurement was taken at 8 regions (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, T3, T4, O1, O2). Indices (median frequency [MDF], peak frequency [PF]) that quantitatively reflect the characteristics of EEG slowing, and traditional commonly used spectral indices (absolute powers as delta, theta, alpha, beta, and relative power as alpha-to-theta ratio [ATR]), were extracted from the EEG signals. For these indices, the differences between the prefrontal lobe and other areas were analyzed and the test-retest reproducibility was investigated. Results. The EEG slowing indicators showed high conformity over all brain lobes and stable reproducibility. On the other hand, the typical EEG spectral indicators delta, theta, alpha, beta, and ATR differed between brain regions. Conclusion. It was found that EEG slowing markers, which were used for assessing the aging or degeneration of brain functions, could be reliably extracted from a prefrontal EEG alone. Significance. These findings suggest that EEG prefrontal markers may reflect markers of other brain regions when a multi-channel device is used. Thus, this method may constitute a low-cost, wearable, wireless, easily accessible, and noninvasive tool for neurological assessment that could be used in the early detection of cognitive decline and in the prevention of dementia.

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Increased Beta Activity Links to Impaired Emotional Control in ADHD Adults With High IQ

Journal of Attention Disorders ◽

10.1177/1087054717739120 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 754-764 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hui Li ◽

Qihua Zhao ◽

Fang Huang ◽

Qingjiu Cao ◽

Qiujin Qian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resting State ◽

Emotional Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Beta Activity ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Eeg Signals ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Beta Power ◽

Eeg Power ◽

Iq Method

Objective: The present study investigated the neuropathology of everyday-life executive function (EF) deficits in adults with ADHD with high IQ. Method: Forty adults with ADHD with an IQ ≥ 120 and 40 controls were recruited. Ecological EFs were measured, and eyes-closed Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals were recorded during a resting-state condition; EEG power and correlations with impaired EFs were analyzed. Results: Compared with controls, the ADHD group showed higher scores on all clusters of EF. The ADHD group showed globally increased theta, globally decreased alpha, and increased central beta activity. In the ADHD group, central beta power was significantly related to emotional control ratings, while no such correlation was evident in the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that resting-state beta activity might be involved in the neuropathology of emotional control in adults with ADHD with high IQ.

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Pathological Beta Burst Dynamics are Conserved Across Different Movements in Parkinson’s Disease

10.1101/2020.04.12.20063032 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Raumin S. Neuville ◽

Ross. W. Anderson ◽

Matthew N. Petrucci ◽

Jordan E. Parker ◽

Kevin B. Wilkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Deep Brain Stimulation ◽

Neural Activity ◽

Resting State ◽

Closed Loop ◽

Peak Frequency ◽

Beta Band ◽

Beta Power ◽

Deep Brain

AbstractBackgroundResting state beta band (13 – 30 Hz) oscillations represent pathological neural activity in Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is unknown whether the peak frequency or dynamics of beta oscillations change among rest, fine, limb and axial movements. This will be critical for the development and feasibility of closed loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) algorithms during resting and movement states.MethodsSubthalamic (STN) local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded from a sensing neurostimulator (Activa® PC+S, Medtronic Inc.,) and synchronized to kinematic recordings in twelve PD participants off medication/off STN DBS during thirty seconds of repetitive alternating finger tapping, wrist-flexion extension, stepping in place, and free walking. Beta power peaks and beta burst dynamics were identified by custom algorithms; beta burst dynamics were compared among rest and movement tasks.ResultsResting state burst durations were longer in a PD beta band, which was elevated above the 1/f physiological spectrum compared to an overlapping band (p < 0.001). Beta power peaks were evident during fine, limb, and axial movements in 98% of movement trials; the peak frequencies were similar during movements and at rest. Burst duration, average and peak power were also similar among the four movement tasks across the group but varied within individuals.ConclusionsProlonged burst durations were a feature of PD bands elevated above and not of PD bands overlapping the 1/f spectrum. The conservation of rest/movement band peak frequency and burst dynamics during different activity states supports the feasibility of successful closed loop DBS algorithms driven by beta burst dynamics during different activities and at rest.HighlightsProlonged beta burst durations represent pathological neural activity in Parkinson’s diseaseBeta band peak frequencies are similar across rest, fine, limb and axial movementsBeta burst dynamics are similar among rest and different movement statesConservation of Parkinsonian neural characteristics across different activity states supports the feasibility of closed loop deep brain stimulation systems in daily life

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Individual alpha peak frequency is slower in schizophrenia and related to deficits in visual perception and cognition

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-97303-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ian S. Ramsay ◽

Peter Lynn ◽

Brandon Schermitzler ◽

Scott Sponheim

Keyword(s):

Visual Perception ◽

Visual Attention ◽

Resting State ◽

Peak Frequency ◽

Attention Task ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Global Cognition ◽

The Relationship ◽

The Brain ◽

Alpha Peak

AbstractThe brain at rest generates cycles of electrical activity that have been shown to be abnormal in people with schizophrenia. The alpha rhythm (~ 10 Hz) is the dominant resting state electrical cycle and each person has a propensity toward a particular frequency of oscillation for this rhythm. This individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF) is hypothesized to be central to visual perceptual processes and may have downstream influences on cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, or problem solving. In the current study we sought to determine whether IAPF was slower in schizophrenia, and whether lower IAPF predicted deficits in visual perception and cognition that are often observed in schizophrenia. Eyes-closed resting state EEG activity, visual attention, and global cognitive functioning were assessed in individuals with schizophrenia (N = 104) and a group of healthy controls (N = 101). Compared to controls, the schizophrenia group showed slower IAPF and was associated with poorer discrimination of visual targets and nontargets on a computerized attention task, as well as impaired global cognition measured using neuropsychological tests across groups. Notably, disruptions in visual attention fully mediated the relationship between IAPF and global cognition across groups. The current findings demonstrate that slower alpha oscillatory cycling accounts for global cognitive deficits in schizophrenia by way of impairments in perceptual discrimination measured during a visual attention task.

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Selective Impairment of Long-Range Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity as a Biomarker for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210572 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Natalie D. DiProspero ◽

David B. Keator ◽

Michael Phelan ◽

Theo G.M. van Erp ◽

Eric Doran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Long Range ◽

Clinical Assessment ◽

Default Mode Network ◽

Resting State ◽

Assessment Data ◽

Default Mode ◽

Clinical Onset

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In neurotypical individuals, clinical AD is preceded by reduced resting state functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), but it is unknown whether changes in DMN connectivity predict clinical onset of AD in DS. Objective: Does lower DMN functional connectivity predict clinical onset of AD and cognitive decline in people with DS? Methods: Resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI), longitudinal neuropsychological, and clinical assessment data were collected on 15 nondemented people with DS (mean age = 51.66 years, SD = 5.34 years, range = 42-59 years) over four years, during which 4 transitioned to dementia. Amyloid-β (Aβ) PET data were acquired on 13 of the 15 participants. Resting state fMRI, neuropsychological, and clinical assessment data were also acquired on an independent, slightly younger unimpaired sample of 14 nondemented people with DS (mean age = 44.63 years, SD = 7.99 years, range = 38–61 years). Results: Lower functional connectivity between long-range but not short-range DMN regions predicts AD diagnosis and cognitive decline in people with DS. Aβ accumulation in the inferior parietal cortex is associated with lower regional DMN functional connectivity. Conclusion: Reduction of long-range DMN connectivity is a potential biomarker for AD in people with DS that precedes and predicts clinical conversion.

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A Novel Framework to Measure Executive Function in Down Syndrome With Applications for Early Clinical Diagnosis of Dementia

American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1352/1944-7558-124.4.354 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 124 (4) ◽

pp. 354-373 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elizabeth Smith ◽

Craig Hedge ◽

Christopher Jarrold

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Executive Function ◽

Clinical Diagnosis ◽

Memory Load ◽

Reaction Times ◽

Typically Developing ◽

Good Test ◽

Diagnosis Of Dementia ◽

Core Components ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Executive function (EF) decline is a consistent early sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among adults with Down syndrome (DS), which means that baseline measures of EF for individuals with DS are vital to allow detection of meaningful decline. We developed a framework to extract measures of three core components of EF (memory updating, inhibitory, and temporal components) within one task. Increases in memory load, inhibitory load, and temporal demands led to significant increases in reaction times and significant decreases in accuracy among 18 adults with DS and 18 typically developing matched individuals; thus, the expected effects of all three manipulations were detected. Good test-retest reliability indicated that this framework has the potential to provide a simple, baseline EF measure for individuals with DS.

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Characteristics of Resting State EEG Power in 80+-Year-Olds of Different Cognitive Status

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.675689 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Stephanie Fröhlich ◽

Dieter F. Kutz ◽

Katrin Müller ◽

Claudia Voelcker-Rehage

Keyword(s):

Frequency Band ◽

Resting State ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Neuropsychological Screening ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Eeg Reactivity ◽

Beta Power ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Eyes Open

Compared with healthy older adults, patients with Alzheimer's disease show decreased alpha and beta power as well as increased delta and theta power during resting state electroencephalography (rsEEG). Findings for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a stage of increased risk of conversion to dementia, are less conclusive. Cognitive status of 213 non-demented high-agers (mean age, 82.5 years) was classified according to a neuropsychological screening and a cognitive test battery. RsEEG was measured with eyes closed and open, and absolute power in delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands were calculated for nine regions. Results indicate no rsEEG power differences between healthy individuals and those with MCI. There were also no differences present between groups in EEG reactivity, the change in power from eyes closed to eyes open, or the topographical pattern of each frequency band. Overall, EEG reactivity was preserved in 80+-year-olds without dementia, and topographical patterns were described for each frequency band. The application of rsEEG power as a marker for the early detection of dementia might be less conclusive for high-agers.

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