Korean J Biol Psychiatry.  2013 Nov;20(4):119-128.

Clinical Implications of EEG and ERP as Biological Markers for Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Kim CG
• Kim HT
• Lee SH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Memory impairment is a very important mental health issue for elderly and adults. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early detection of the prodromal stage of patients with AD is an important topic of interest for both mental health clinicians and policy makers.
METHODS
Electroencephalograpgy (EEG) has been used as a possible biological marker for patients with MCI, and AD. In this review, we will summarize the clinical implications of EEG and ERP as a biological marker for AD and MCI.
RESULTS
EEG power density, functional coupling, spectral coherence, synchronization, and connectivity were analyzed and proved their clinical efficacy in patients with the prodromal stage of AD. Serial studies on late event-related potentials (ERPs) were also conducted in MCI patients as well as healthy elders. Even though these EEG and ERP studies have some limitations for their design and method, their clinical implications are increasing rapidly.
CONCLUSION
EEG and ERP can be used as biological markers of AD and MCI. Also they can be used as useful tools for early detection of AD and MCI patients. They are useful and sensitive research tools for AD and MCI patients. However, some problems remain to be solved until they can be practical measures in clinical setting.

Keyword

EEG; ERP; Mild cognitive impairment; Alzheimer's disease; Early detection

MeSH Terms

Administrative Personnel
Adult
Aged
Alzheimer Disease*
Biomarkers*
Electroencephalography*
Evoked Potentials
Humans
Memory
Mental Health
Methods
Mild Cognitive Impairment*
Prodromal Symptoms