AEIF Newsletter 10: Electrophysiological Testing 

Electrophysiological testing allows neurologists and other treating physicians to observe neural functions and changes across different brain states. Though studies have evidenced the myriad benefits of using electrophysiological data to identify and track Alzheimer’s Disease, this method has yet to be implemented on a wide scale. 

This information can be utilized to closely detect important identifiers for early detection AD neuropathology, including brain amyloidosis, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, by administering electrophysiological tests, experts can monitor neurophysiological mechanisms involving transmission, as well as brain network dynamics, synchronization, functional connectivity, reflecting thalamocortical and corticocortical residual capacity. 

Recent studies have linked abnormalities in EEG (Electroencephalogram) or MEG (Magnetoencephalography) markers with cognitive deficits in groups of AD patients at various disease stages. In 2019, The Neurobiology of Aging publication expressed that “supporting evidence for the application of electrophysiology in AD clinical research as well as drug discovery pathways warrants an international initiative to include the use of [electrophysiological data] in the main multicentric projects planned in AD patients, to produce conclusive findings challenging the present regulatory requirements and guidelines for AD studies”. 

Works Cited and Further Reading:

Babiloni C, Blinowska K, Bonanni L, Cichocki A, De Haan W, Del Percio C, Dubois B, Escudero J, Fernández A, Frisoni G, Guntekin B, Hajos M, Hampel H, Ifeachor E, Kilborn K, Kumar S, Johnsen K, Johannsson M, Jeong J, LeBeau F, Lizio R, Lopes da Silva F, Maestú F, McGeown WJ, McKeith I, Moretti DV, Nobili F, Olichney J, Onofrj M, Palop JJ, Rowan M, Stocchi F, Struzik ZM, Tanila H, Teipel S, Taylor JP, Weiergräber M, Yener G, Young-Pearse T, Drinkenburg WH, Randall F. What electrophysiology tells us about Alzheimer's disease: a window into the synchronization and connectivity of brain neurons. Neurobiol Aging. 2020 Jan;85:58-73. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.09.008. Epub 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31739167. 

Picton TW. The P300 wave of the human event-related potential. J Clin Neurophysiol. 1992 Oct;9(4):456-79. doi: 10.1097/00004691-199210000-00002. PMID: 1464675.

Charters, Lynda. “Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease: Opthamologists Have Role in Early Detection”. Ophthalmology Times. June 15th, 2021. Volume 46, Issue 10.