older adult

Electroencefalografía Cuantitativa y Evaluación Neuropsicológica en el Diagnóstico del Deterioro Cognitivo en Adultos Mayores Ecuatorianos Quantitative Electroencephalography and Neuropsychological Assessment in the Diagnosis of Cognitive Impairment in Older Ecuadorian Adults

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and neuropsychological assessment in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in Ecuadorian older adults.

Patients and method: Twelve older adults from the Cuenca canton with suspected cognitive impairment were selected. Neuropsychological tests (Neuropsi and Mini-Mental State Examination) were applied and EEG recordings were performed and analyzed using Persyst software. Average voltage amplitude values of brain waves (alpha, beta, theta and delta) and heat maps were obtained to identify specific patterns.

Results: Neuropsychological tests detected significant deficiencies in executive functions, memory and attention, with greater impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s. EEG analysis showed a generalized slowing of the basal rhythm, predominance of slow waves (theta and delta) and decreased alpha frequency (<8 Hz) in occipital and frontal regions. A significant correlation was found between cognitive deficits and EEG alterations.

Conclusions: The combination of qEEG and neuropsychological assessment offers a comprehensive tool for the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment, allowing for personalized therapeutic strategies. These findings reinforce the relevance of accessible and noninvasive methods in the care of older adults in resource-limited settings.

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Palabras clave: adulto mayor, deterioro cognitivo, diagnóstico cognitivo, Electroencefalografía cuantitativa, neuropsicología,

Keywords: cognitive diagnosis, cognitive impairment, neuropsychology, older adult, Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG),

Evaluación de la función cognitiva diaria del adulto y adulto mayor mediante el uso del ECog (everyday cognition). Evaluation of the daily cognitive function of adults and elderly adults through the use of ECog (everyday cognition).

Introduction: Older adulthood is the stage of life where significant biological changes occur, such as a decrease in cognitive function. The ECog is a valuable tool for detecting early changes in declining cognitive function and subjective cognitive impairment. It can be answered by an informant (relative) without needing the patient to be present. It can be applied to patients with a low educational level or some disability without this limitation.

Objective: To know the changes in the daily cognitive function of adults and older adults for decades. (50-59, 60-69, >70 years) using the ECog.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, randomized, survey-type study. Patients over 50 who attended a Family Medicine consultation for any reason other than dementia were included, patients who did not wish to participate were excluded, and incomplete surveys were eliminated. The n was 180 patients, 60 for each age group (group 1=50-59 years, group 2=60-69 years, and group 3=>70 years). The ECog was applied to the patients (answered by an informant). The means were calculated by age group, the variation between each group was calculated using a means comparison formula, the prevalence of Subjective Cognitive Impairment (cut-off point in ECog>1.36) was calculated by age group, and the most affected domains.

Results: The decrease in cognitive function measured by the ECog increased significantly with age in each group (Anova p value less than 0.001) and the prevalence of cases with Subjective Cognitive Impairment. The most affected functions were memory, attention and organization. The least affected domain was language.

Conclusion: A significant decline in cognitive function was observed with advancing age. The ECog is an excellent tool, easy
and straightforward to use for the Primary Care physician.