Small vessel disease disrupts EEG postural brain networks in ‘unexplained dizziness in the elderly’
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective
To examine the hypothesis that small vessel disease disrupts postural networks in older adults with unexplained dizziness in the elderly (UDE).
Methods
Simultaneous electroencephalography and postural sway measurements were undertaken in upright, eyes closed standing, and sitting postures (as baseline) in 19 younger adults, 33 older controls and 36 older patients with UDE. Older adults underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine whole brain white matter hyperintensity volumes, a measure of small vessel disease. Linear regression was used to estimate the effect of instability on electroencephalographic power and connectivity.
Results
Ageing increased theta and alpha desynchronisation on standing. In older controls, delta and gamma power increased, and theta and alpha power reduced with instability. Dizzy older patients had higher white matter hyperintensity volumes and more theta desynchronisation during periods of instability. White matter hyperintensity volume and delta power during periods of instability were correlated, positively in controls but negatively in dizzy older patients. Delta power correlated with subjective dizziness and instability.
Conclusions
Neural resource demands of postural control increase with age, particularly in patients with UDE, driven by small vessel disease.
Significance
EEG correlates of postural control saturate in older adults with UDE, offering a basis to this common syndrome.
To examine the hypothesis that small vessel disease disrupts postural networks in older adults with unexplained dizziness in the elderly (UDE).
Methods
Simultaneous electroencephalography and postural sway measurements were undertaken in upright, eyes closed standing, and sitting postures (as baseline) in 19 younger adults, 33 older controls and 36 older patients with UDE. Older adults underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine whole brain white matter hyperintensity volumes, a measure of small vessel disease. Linear regression was used to estimate the effect of instability on electroencephalographic power and connectivity.
Results
Ageing increased theta and alpha desynchronisation on standing. In older controls, delta and gamma power increased, and theta and alpha power reduced with instability. Dizzy older patients had higher white matter hyperintensity volumes and more theta desynchronisation during periods of instability. White matter hyperintensity volume and delta power during periods of instability were correlated, positively in controls but negatively in dizzy older patients. Delta power correlated with subjective dizziness and instability.
Conclusions
Neural resource demands of postural control increase with age, particularly in patients with UDE, driven by small vessel disease.
Significance
EEG correlates of postural control saturate in older adults with UDE, offering a basis to this common syndrome.
Date Issued
2021-11
Date Acceptance
2021-07-25
Citation
Clinical Neurophysiology, 2021, 132 (11), pp.2751-2762
ISSN
1388-2457
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Start Page
2751
End Page
2762
Journal / Book Title
Clinical Neurophysiology
Volume
132
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2021 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. Under a Creative Commons license.
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245721007069?via%3Dihub
Subjects
Dizziness
EEG
Elderly
Postural control
Small vessel disease
Unexplained dizziness in the elderly
Neurology & Neurosurgery
09 Engineering
11 Medical and Health Sciences
17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2021-08-30