Eeg Analysis and Spect Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) represent a leading public-health problem given the rising age of the population. Early diagnosis of dementia, especially at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has become an important goal of the modern patient work-up. Brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has become a mainstay of diagnostic algorithms in patients with dementia showing specific patterns of hypoperfusion in temporal and parietal lobes. Clinical electroencephalography (EEG) is a relatively simple and inexpensive diagnostic tool showing potential in assessing cortical thinning and lower perfusion in temporoparoetal regions. Subjects and methods: Our study was a cross sectional and included retrospective analysis of the group of patients diagnosed with AD, VaD and MCI. The study group consisted of 50 patients-29 females and 21 males. All patients underwent EEG and SPECT analysis as part of regular work-up. Result: Patients with AD exhibit EEG changes mostly in the form of theta waves, focal abnormalities and spike-and-wave complexes in frontotemporal regions with the reduction in the amplitude of alpha waves. SPECT in most patients exhibited hypoperfusion in temporoparietal regions with occasional unilateral abnormalities in frontotemporal region. EEG changes in patients with VaD are predominantly in the form of theta waves while SPECT findings show mostly "patchy" abnormalities. EEG readings are normal or exhibit minimal changes in the group of patients with MCI, while SPECT imaging exhibits mostly normal CBF. Conclusion: EEG and SPECT are diagnostic methods which show specific changes, especially in AD. EEG can be used to monitor the therapeutic effect and progression of AD as well as the possible transition from MCI to early stage AD. SPECT on the other hand, being a more expensive and less available method, can be utilized as an add-on method to increase the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic algorithm.

Relationship between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in Chinese adults

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Association between Mobile Phone Use and Incidence of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Using the UK Biobank

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Molecular imaging in Alzheimer's disease

“…Those with cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer's, often have decreased CBF, mostly in the hippocampus, parietal, and temporal lobes which was found using SPECT scans. SPECT imaging of the brain also shows an 83% accuracy of identifying dementia [13]. SPECT imaging has a variety of uses to help detect Alzheimer's such as Aβ plaque detecting as well as inspecting CBF.…”