K. van der Hiele

EEG correlates in the spectrum of cognitive decline

OBJECTIVE To investigate relations between EEG measures and performance on tests of global cognition, memory, language and executive functioning. METHODS Twenty-two controls, 18 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 16 with probable Alzheimers disease (AD) underwent neuropsychological and EEG investigations. We used the following EEG measures: theta relative power during eyes closed, alpha reactivity during memory activation (i.e. the percentual decrease in alpha power as compared to eyes closed) and alpha coherence during eyes closed and memory activation. RESULTS Theta relative power was increased in AD patients as compared with controls (p<0.001) and MCI patients (p<0.01) and related to decreased performance in all cognitive domains. Alpha reactivity was decreased in AD patients as compared with controls (p<0.005) and related to decreased performance on tests of global cognition, memory and executive functioning. Alpha coherence did not differ between groups and was unrelated to cognition. CONCLUSIONS EEG power measures were associated with decreased performance on tests of global cognition, memory, language and executive functioning, while coherence measures were not. SIGNIFICANCE The EEG yielded several power measures related to cognitive functions. These EEG power measures might prove useful in prospective studies aimed at predicting longitudinal cognitive decline and dementia.

EEG and MRI correlates of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether cognitive function in the spectrum of normal aging to Alzheimers disease is better reflected in MRI or EEG measures, or a combination of both. METHODS Cognitive functions were tested in 33 elderly subjects: 10 with probable Alzheimers disease, 11 with mild cognitive impairment and 12 controls. Structural brain parameters were derived from conventional MRI and a quantitative MR technique called magnetization transfer imaging. The EEG provided measures of brain function. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to relate EEG and MRI parameters to global cognition, memory, language and psychomotor speed. RESULTS The model showed EEG alpha reactivity during eyes open to be the primary factor associated with global cognition, memory and language skills. Brain atrophy was the primary factor associated with psychomotor speed. Furthermore, EEG alpha reactivity during eyes open explained significant additional variability in psychomotor speed. CONCLUSION EEG and MRI are each associated with different aspects of cognitive function and complement each other in their relations to psychomotor speed.

The relationship between self‐reported executive performance and psychological characteristics in multiple sclerosis

Background and purpose:  Self‐reports of cognitive functioning are not always related to objective measures. We examined psychological characteristics of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underestimate, overestimate or accurately estimate their executive performance.

Basal ganglia volume is strongly related to P3 event-related potential in premanifest Huntington's disease.

Background:  The P3 event‐related potential (ERP) is presumably partly generated by the basal ganglia. Because degeneration of these brain structures starts many years before clinical disease onset in Huntington’s disease (HD), studying the interplay between P3 characteristics and basal ganglia volumes in ‘premanifest’ carriers might lead to new insights into the disease process.

The capability set for work - correlates of sustainable employability in workers with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine whether work capabilities differ between workers with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and workers from the general population. The second aim was to investigate whether the capability set was related to work and health outcomes.MethodsA total of 163 workers with MS from the MS@Work study and 163 workers from the general population were matched for gender, age, educational level and working hours. All participants completed online questionnaires on demographics, health and work functioning. The Capability Set for Work Questionnaire was used to explore whether a set of seven work values is considered valuable (A), is enabled in the work context (B), and can be achieved by the individual (C). When all three criteria are met a work value can be considered part of the individual’s ‘capability set’.ResultsGroup differences and relationships with work and health outcomes were examined. Despite lower physical work functioning (U = 4250, p = 0.001), lower work ability (U = 10591, p = 0.006) and worse self-reported health (U = 9091, p ≤ 0.001) workers with MS had a larger capability set (U = 9649, p ≤ 0.001) than the general population. In workers with MS, a larger capability set was associated with better flexible work functioning (r = 0.30), work ability (r = 0.25), self-rated health (r = 0.25); and with less absenteeism (r = − 0.26), presenteeism (r = − 0.31), cognitive/neuropsychiatric impairment (r = − 0.35), depression (r = − 0.43), anxiety (r = − 0.31) and fatigue (r = − 0.34).ConclusionsWorkers with MS have a larger capability set than workers from the general population. In workers with MS a larger capability set was associated with better work and health outcomes.Trial registrationThis observational study is registered under NL43098.008.12: ‘Voorspellers van arbeidsparticipatie bij mensen met relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerose’. The study is registered at the Dutch CCMO register (https://www.toetsingonline.nl). This study is approved by the METC Brabant, 12 February 2014. First participants are enrolled 1st of March 2014.

Coping strategies in relation to negative work events and accommodations in employed multiple sclerosis patients

Background Job loss is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is known to exert a negative effect on quality of life. The process leading up to job loss typically includes negative work events, productivity losses and a need for accommodations. By using active coping strategies job loss may be prevented or delayed. Objective Our goal was to examine negative work events and accommodations in relation to coping strategies in employed relapsing–remitting MS patients. Methods Ninety-seven MS patients (77% females; 21–59 years old) completed questionnaires concerning the patient’s work situation, coping strategies, demographics, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning. Forward binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine coping strategies and other (disease) characteristics predictive of reported negative work events and accommodations. Results Nineteen per cent of the employed MS patients reported one or more negative work events, associated with a higher use of emotion-oriented coping and more absenteeism. Seventy-three per cent reported using one or more work accommodations, associated with a higher educational level and more presenteeism. MS patients reporting physical changes to the workplace employed more emotion-oriented coping, while flexible scheduling was associated with task-oriented coping. Conclusion Emotion-oriented and task-oriented coping strategies are associated with negative work events and the use of accommodations.