Assessing retino-geniculo-cortical connectivities in Alzheimer's Disease with a neural mass model

Abstract

Longitudinal studies have shown that increase of mean frequency within the theta band may be considered as an early symptom of progression into Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Also, slowing of mean frequency within the alpha band has long since been known to be a def nitive marker in AD. This work is aimed at developing a better understanding of alterations in neuronal connectivity underlying Electroencephalogram (EEG) changes in AD. Specif cally, connectivity changes in the dorso-lateral geniculo-cortical pathway are studied using a neural mass computational model. Connectivity parameters in the model are informed by the most recent experimental data on mammalian Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (dorsal). A slowing of the mean power spectra of the model output is observed with increase in both excitatory and inhibitory parameters in the intra-thalamic and thalamocortical pathways and a decrease of sensory pathway synaptic connectivity. The biological plausibility of the results suggest potential of further model extension in AD research.