Research shows the early signs of Alzheimer's can be determined using an EEG test. The loss of theta waves indicates the loss of communication between parts of the brain. Below is some more information about the connection between brain waves and Alzheimer's disease.
Identification
Alzheimer's is an incurable disease that affects the elderly for the most part. Early symptoms include memory loss. As it becomes worse, patients suffer confusion, irritability, loss of the ability to use language, aggression and withdrawal. The decline can take years while the brain degenerates--the brain atrophies and loses connections between neurons (synapses), which results in the death of neurons.
Prevention/Solution
The cause of Alzheimer's is unclear, and while there is no cure, the progression can be slowed with medication. It is believed that it can be prevented through exercise, a balanced diet and mental stimulation. Exercise and mental stimulation encourages theta and alpha wave activity.
Significance
Theta waves are seen during sleep in the dream state (REM sleep) and during awake states as well. On an EEG, the theta waves occur between 4 and 8 Hz. The theta waves are involved during spatial navigation, memory, learning and with some forms of behavior. It is believed that theta waves are generated by the hippocampus and travel out to other areas of the brain. Meditation has been shown to increase theta wave activity in the brain.
Expert Insight
Dr. Colom of the University of Texas at Brownsville suspects that the theta brain waves from the hippocampus keep the neurons firing in a normal range. The septum between the hippocampus and the neurons transmits the theta wave pattern and inhibits hypoexcitability, which occurs in Alzheimer's disease.
Considerations
NYU researchers are using EEGs to determine the likelihood of patients eventually developing Alzheimer's. The brain waves of people unlikely to develop dementia, which includes Alzheimer's, are similar in both hemispheres of the brain. In people prone to developing dementia, there is a marked difference between the sides of the brain, especially in the frontal lobe. The theta brain waves appear more prominently in people likely to decline mentally with age.
Prevention/Solution
Testing for the early stages of Alzheimer's is important, because some medications, when given in the early stages of the disease, can reduce the rate of decline. Expensive and uncomfortable PET scans and MRI tests are currently the most popular methods to screen for Alzheimer's. EEG exams are much less costly and much less uncomfortable to patients. Soon doctors will be able to make a diagnosis from EEG tests that detect the theta wave activity in certain areas of the brain.
Tags: brain waves, theta waves, theta wave, wave activity, Alzheimer disease, areas brain