Evaluating Cognitive Decline Detection in Aging Populations with Single-Channel EEG Features: Insights from Studies and Meta-Analysis

Timely detection of cognitive decline is paramount for effective intervention, prompting researchers to leverage EEG pattern analysis, focusing particularly on cognitive load, to establish reliable markers for early detection and intervention. This comprehensive report presents findings from two studies and a meta-analysis, involving a total of 237 senior participants, aimed at investigating cognitive function in aging populations. In the first study, 80 seniors were classified into two groups: 40 healthy individuals (MMSE > 28) and 40 at risk of cognitive impairment (MMSE 24–27). Dimensionality reduction models, such as Lasso and Elastic Net, were employed to analyze EEG features correlated with MMSE scores. These models achieved a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.57, indicating a robust capability for detecting cognitive decline. The second study involved 77 seniors, divided into three groups: 30 healthy individuals (MMSE > 27), 30 at risk of MCI (MMSE 24–27), and 17 with mild dementia (MMSE < 24). Results demonstrated significant differences between MMSE groups and cognitive load levels, particularly for A0 and Gamma band. A meta-analysis, combining data from both studies and additional data, included 237 senior participants and 112 young controls. Significant associations were identified between EEG biomarkers, such as A0 activity, and cognitive assessment scores including MMSE and MoCA, suggesting their potential as reliable indicators for timely detection of cognitive decline. EEG patterns, particularly Gamma band activity, demonstrated promising associations with cognitive load and cognitive decline, highlighting the value of EEG in understanding cognitive function. The study highlights the feasibility of using a single-channel EEG device combined with advanced machine learning models, offering a practical and accessible method for evaluating cognitive function and identifying individuals at risk in various settings.