Elena Nardi Cesarini (Italy)
Neurology Clinic S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital – University of Perugia, Perugia, ItalyAuthor Of 1 Presentation
COGNITIVE DECLINE RISK STRATIFICATION IN PEOPLE WITH LATE-ONSET EPILEPSY OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY: AN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC CONNECTIVITY AND GRAPH THEORY PILOT STUDY
- Cinzia Costa (Italy)
Abstract
Background and Aims:
Although people with late onset epilepsy of unknown etiology (LOEU) are at higher risk of cognitive decline compared to the general population, we still lack affordable tools to predict and stratify their risk of dementia. Electroencephalography (EEG) network small-world (SW) analysis has been proven cost-effective, feasible and reliable in predicting cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This pilot-study investigates the potential application of EEG network SW properties in predicting cognitive decline among patients with LOEU.
Methods:
People diagnosed with LOEU and normal cognitive examination at the time of epilepsy diagnosis were included. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, brain imaging and neuropsychological assessment were performed at the time of epilepsy diagnosis. Baseline EEG was analyzed for SW properties. Patients were followed-up over time with neuropsychological tests.
Results:
Over 5.1 years of follow-up, among 24 patients diagnosed with LOEU, thirteen developed MCI, and four dementia. Patients with LOEU developing MCI had lower values of SW coefficients in the in the delta (p=.03) band and higher SW values in the alpha frequency bands (p=.02) compared to patients having normal cognition at last follow-up. A similar gradient was confirmed for patients developing dementia compared to those with normal cognitive function as well as to those developing MCI.
Conclusions:
EEG network SW properties might be able to identify people with LOEU at risk of cognitive decline. Given EEG is frequently performed in LOEU. Baseline EEG analysis through SW is worth investigating as an affordable, widely available tool to stratify people for their risk of cognitive decline.