An Examination of the Use of Electrophysiological Brain Monitoring to Direct the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment

An Examination of the Use of Electrophysiological Brain Monitoring to Direct the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment

The problem of cognitive decline among the aging population has become a significant health burden, especially in light of the increase in the prevalence of dementia with age For patients with MCI (Mild cognitive impairment) there are various recommendations to deal with the disorder, including behavioral recommendations for physical exercise. Some recommendations could also be found for cognitive practice. However, currently, there is no consensus regarding effective cognitive treatment or practice for MCI. Among the populations suffering from MCI, there is a significant segment of patients with amnestic disorder. For these patients, it seems that cognitive training of memory, including verbal memory, is very important. In recent years, we have developed an effective tool for managing rehabilitation practice by monitoring the patient's engagement with an easy-to-use EEG (electroencephalogram) tool. We have shown in a variety of rehabilitation settings, that when the patient is recruited, the clinical improvement is significantly better. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability to harness the EEG monitoring of brain engagement to achieve functional improvement in verbal memory training in patients with Amnestic MCI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female above the age of 65 years
• Ability to read, write and understand the Hebrew language so to comply with study demands.
• Diagnosed with Amnestic MCI. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), A score of MSSE ≥27 for college educated subjects and MSSE ≥ 26 for all others; and (CDR) Clinical Dementia Rating, 0.5 ≥ CDR
• Diagnosed with memory impairment, Visual Paired Association = VPA (WMS-R), for subjects of ages 65-70, 16.5 ≥ WMS-R and for subjects of age above 71, 15.5 ≥ WMS-R

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with major psychiatric or neurological disorder.
• A user of recreational or illicit drugs or has had a recent history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependence.