Quantitative EEG theta power and transcranial Doppler parameters as multimodal biomarkers for cognitive impairment in sub-acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background and objectives. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) significantly impacts stroke recovery. This study investigated correlations between quantitative EEG theta power and transcranial Doppler parameters with cognitive function, and determined factors independently associated with cognitive performance in sub-acute ischemic stroke patients. Materials and methods. This prospective study enrolled 49 patients with sub-acute ischemic stroke. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-INA). Theta power was recorded via qEEG, while mean flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured using TCD. Multivariate linear regression identified factors associated with MoCA-INA scores. Results. Significant negative correlations were observed between MoCA-INA scores and absolute theta power (r = −0.392, p = 0.043) as well as left pulsatility index (r = −0.405, p = 0.036). In the hierarchical multivariate regression analysis, the minimally adjusted model including age and education explained 3.3% of MoCA-INA score variance (adjusted R² = 0.033). After inclusion of absolute theta power and left PI, adjusted R² increased to 0.176. However, absolute theta power did not remain an independent predictor after adjustment (B = −0.2089, p = 0.0674), and hemodynamic parameters were also not significant. Conclusions. Absolute theta power and left pulsatility index correlated with cognitive performance, although these associations weakened after adjustment for age and education. Absolute theta power showed a trend in the adjusted model. These findings suggest that electrophysiological and hemodynamic markers may provide insight into cognitive status in sub-acute ischemic stroke, influenced by demographic factors.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint