Elderly Populations with Mild Cognitive Impairments Found to Have Higher Theta/Beta Ratio Than Controls
Disciplines
Cognition and Perception | Geropsychology | Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in Theta/Beta Ratio between elderly participants (ages 67-91) with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) and those without any cognitive impairments (Control). MCI is considered an early phase of Alzheimer’s Disease. A sample of 70 participants was used, 26 belonging to the MCI group, and 44 belonging to the Control group. The participants’ brain activity was measured using an electroencephalograph (EEG) immediately before and after completing an interactive task. The ratio of theta band activity (4-7 Hz) to beta band activity (13-35 Hz, fast waves), known as theta/beta ratio (TBR), was computed from a frontal electrode location (Fz). This measure has been associated with cognitive deficits, particularly attention. There was a significant difference in Theta/Beta Ratio between MCI participants and Control participants, with MCI participants having significantly higher TBR than controls. This finding replicates previously published work from our lab in a new sample, and further establishes TBR as a correlate of MCI.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Tim Martin
Elderly Populations with Mild Cognitive Impairments Found to Have Higher Theta/Beta Ratio Than Controls
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in Theta/Beta Ratio between elderly participants (ages 67-91) with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) and those without any cognitive impairments (Control). MCI is considered an early phase of Alzheimer’s Disease. A sample of 70 participants was used, 26 belonging to the MCI group, and 44 belonging to the Control group. The participants’ brain activity was measured using an electroencephalograph (EEG) immediately before and after completing an interactive task. The ratio of theta band activity (4-7 Hz) to beta band activity (13-35 Hz, fast waves), known as theta/beta ratio (TBR), was computed from a frontal electrode location (Fz). This measure has been associated with cognitive deficits, particularly attention. There was a significant difference in Theta/Beta Ratio between MCI participants and Control participants, with MCI participants having significantly higher TBR than controls. This finding replicates previously published work from our lab in a new sample, and further establishes TBR as a correlate of MCI.