Multiscale permutation statistical complexity measure analysis of EEG in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

isotropic sampling and were acquired in just less than 7 minutes. In each subject we measured age adjusted global brain stiffness (entire brain excluding cerebellum), in 8 regions and a summary ROI that included the frontal and temporal lobes but excluded the sensory/motor strip (labeled FT). Results: Group-wise difference in global stiffness demonstrated decreased brain stiffness in FTD (2.59 kPa) compared with NC (2.77 kPa) (p1⁄40.007). Regional differences were most prominent in the frontal lobes (p1⁄40.001) and the temporal lobes (p1⁄40.005). Stiffness did not differ by group in the parietal or occipital lobes or the preand post-central gyri. Based on these results, a summary ROI composed of the frontal and temporal lobes but excluding the sensory/motor areas was generated which obtains complete separation between the two groups. Figure 1 shows a boxplot of stiffness. Conclusions: It has been previously reported that global brain stiffness is decreased in subjects with AD [1]. We now report a specific pattern of fronto-temporal stiffness reduction in FTD, expanding the diagnostic utility of this novel biomarker of neurodegenerative disease.