Subclinical white matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy are associated with EEG slowing in a memory clinic cohort. Issue 9 (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kramberger, Milica G.; Giske, Katarina; Cavallin, Lena; Kåreholt, Ingemar; Andersson, Thomas; Winblad, Bengt; Jelic, Vesna
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 128:Issue 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1575
• Page End: 1582
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Electroencephalography -- White matter lesions -- Medial temporal atrophy -- Cognitive impairment -- Visual analysis; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.05.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Highlights: Standard clinical EEG is still of relevance in a memory clinic. Subclinical white matter lesions (WML) are a common finding in a memory clinic population, but their impact remains unknown. Association of subclinical WML with EEG is evident with simple visual assessment methods. Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) findings obtained by standardized visual analysis, subclinical white matter lesions (WML) and brain atrophy in a large memory clinic population. Methods: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 58), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 141), subjective cognitive impairment (SCI, n = 194) had clinical, MRI based WML severity and regional atrophy assessments, and routine resting EEG recording. Background activity (BA) and episodic and continuous abnormalities were assessed visually in EEG. Results: WML ( p = 0.006) and atrophy in medial temporal regions (MTA) ( p = <0.001) were associated with slower BA in all diagnoses. WML were associated in SCI with total episodic EEG abnormalities ( p = 0.03). Conclusions: EEG is associated with subclinical WML burden and cortical brain atrophy in a memory clinic population. Significance: Even the standard visually assessed EEG can complement a memory clinic diagnostic workup.