Electroencephalogram and Event-Related Potential in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Recent Developments in Signal Processing, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of non-age-related cognitive decline with an increased risk of progressing to dementia. Early detection of MCI is essential for implementing preventative strategies that can delay or prevent the onset of dementia, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) and event-related potentials (ERPs) have shown significant promise in detecting MCI due to their affordability, real-time monitoring capabilities, and noninvasiveness. EEG provides continuous brain activity data, while ERPs offer insights into specific cognitive processes by analyzing brain responses to stimuli. These methods can complement each other in MCI diagnosis by providing a comprehensive view of overall brain function and detailed information on specific cognitive processes. However, EEG and ERP are susceptible to noise and interindividual variability, which can hinder their reliability. In addition, applying machine learning models on EEG or ERP for MCI detection presents challenges such as the risk of overfitting and difficulties in interpreting the underlying decision-making process. This review emphasizes recent advancements in signal processing and feature extraction methods applied to EEG and ERP data and explores the use of machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and interpretative depth. By integrating these methodologies, the review highlights how EEG and ERP can contribute to a more effective understanding and monitoring of cognitive changes associated with MCI, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis for timely intervention and improved patient care. Finally, the review focuses on future research directions, including the development of advanced analytical techniques and multimodal integration approaches involving EEG and ERP to further improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical application.