Distinct patterns of cortical activity associated with cognitive and motor decline in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether resting-state EEG markers show potential for distinguishing individuals as healthy control, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), based on their levels of cognitive and motor decline. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 87 participants and classified them into three groups. Motor functions were measured by gait speed. Cognitive function was assessed by neuropsychologists using standardized tools, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST), and the Paired Associates Learning (PAL) task. Resting-state EEG data were recorded for five minutes with eyes closed, using a 19-channel wireless EEG system. Our results showed that individuals with MCI and MCR exhibited increased frontal theta power and widespread default mode network (DMN) connectivity, reflecting underlying neuropsychological changes. These alterations were most pronounced in the MCR group and were associated with both cognitive and motor decline. Our findings highlight the potential of resting-state EEG as a biomarker for the early detection of cognitive and motor decline in community-dwelling older adults.