QEEG- BRAIN MAPPING - A biomarker to predict MCI/ Dementia.

With improving longevity and exponential increase of age related illnesses, MCI and dementia are projected to be among the major causes of suffering in old age. The containment of these problems rests with their early detection and prevention. While advanced Neuro imaging techniques detect anatomical and structural changes at a later stage, QEEG is considered an inexpensive, reliable method of detecting functional alterations in very early stages. Brain mapping with QEEG locates functional and electrical changes in the brain earlier than other methods and is reported to be useful in many clinical situations. QEEG reports are descriptive and 'pattern based' with an accuracy of 80-90 %. Specific patterns are associated with MCI and AD. The present study is a patternbased study done in a simple clinical setting, with a portable 4 channel analyser and dedicated software. The aim of the study was to know if QEEG can be used to predict / differentiate normal healthy aging from MCI/ dementia. Individuals in the age group of 30-72 with cognitive complaints underwent the test. The study confirms that QEEG is a valuable, inexpensive and reliable MARKER to predict / differentiate MCI, AD from healthy, normal aging.