Changes of Quantitative EEG after Donepezil Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 19(3); 2001 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2001;19(3): 245-250.

알쯔하이머병 환자에서 donepezil 치료 후 정량적 뇌파검사의 변화

곽용태, 한일우 방오영*

용인효자병원 신경과,아주대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실*

Changes of Quantitative EEG after Donepezil Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease

Yong Tae Kwak, M.D., Il-Woo Han, M.D., Oh Young Bang, M.D.*

Department of Neurology, Yongin Hyoja Geriatric Hospital Department of Neurology, College of medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea*

Abstract

"Background : Though symptomatic improvements after treatment of donepezil is well documented in Alzheimer’s dis-ease (AD), the electrophysiological change have not yet been elucidated. Among the parameters of quantitative electroen-cephalography (q-EEG), high frequency activity, especially gamma rhythm, may play a role in normal cognitive function including the integration of sensory processing, association, coupling or selective attention, which are characteristically impaired in AD. Methods : In order to define the profile of q-EEG changes including gamma rhythm after donepezil treatment, we followed 17 AD patients for 12 weeks. We analyzed the spectra power taken from 16 derivations by aver-aging twenty-2-sec epoch in normal controls and AD patients. After logarithmic transformation of spectra power, statisti-cal test was done and the effect of donepezil treatment on q-EEG profile was analyzed during follow up period. Results : Before medication of donepezil, AD patients had a significantly lower alpha spectra power as well as a significant higher delta spectra power, compared with normal control. After medication of donepezil in AD patients, compared to base-line q-EEG, gamma spectra power was significantly increased, whereas delta spectra power was significantly reduced. Compared to absolute power, relative power was more sensitive in detecting change of EEG after donepezil treatment. Conclusions : This study suggests that donepezil significantly change delta and gamma spectra power in q-EEG, and the increase in gamma rhythm may be correlated with the clinical improvements after donepezil treatment. J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(3):245~250, 2001 Key Words : Donepezil, Alzheimer’s disease, Quantitative electroencephalography, Gamma rhythm"