Differences of electroencephalography wave with eyes-closed between older women with dementia and without dementia

Electroencephalograph (EEG) is an alternative tool to detect brain abnormalities, but research on dementia patients is still limited. This study aimed to determine the differences in EEG waves with closed eyes between older women with dementia and non-dementia. This research uses a cross-sectional method. Examination of dementia using MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) with a cut-off value of 23 and examination of brain waves using InteraXon Muse Headband EEG (InteraXon, Canada) for 10 minutes at rest with eyes closed. The study sample consisted of 27 women with dementia and 27 non-dementia women with a mean age of 74.65 years from nursing homes and public health centers in Bandung, Indonesia. Data analysis used independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that there were significant differences in Delta AF7 (p = 0.007), Delta TP9 (p = 0.039), Delta TP10 (p = 0.024), and Theta AF7 (p = 0.017). Older women with dementia have lower slow waves (delta and theta waves) than older women without dementia. In conclusion, older women with dementia had decreased EEG waves, including those in Delta AF7, Delta TP9, Delta TP10, and Theta AF7, compared with older women without dementia. Further research can be done with a larger number of respondents and provide stimulation during the EEG examination.

Automated summary

The study revealed significant differences in EEG waves between older women with dementia and non-dementia, showing that older women with dementia had decreased slow waves in Delta and Theta regions compared to those without dementia. Further research with larger sample sizes and stimuli during EEG examination is recommended.