Exploring the Theta/Beta Ratio in Elderly Populations with Mild Cognitive Impairments

This study is a continuation of research aiming to investigate the differences in the Theta/Beta Ratio between elderly individuals (aged 67-91) with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) and those without cognitive impairments (Control). MCI is regarded as an early stage of Alzheimer’s Disease. A total of 218 participants’ brain activity was recorded using an electroencephalograph (EEG) for both the MCI group and the Control group during an interactive task. The ratio of theta band activity (4-7 Hz) to beta band activity (13-35 Hz), known as the Theta/Beta Ratio (TBR), was calculated from a frontal electrode location (Fz). This ratio has been linked to cognitive deficits, especially in attention. Previous results have shown a significant difference in TBR between the MCI and Control groups, with the MCI participants exhibiting a significantly higher TBR than Control participants. This finding reinforces previous findings from our lab in a new sample and further establishes TBR as a correlate of MCI.