Is the EEG Important in the Study of Patients with Cognitive Symptoms? (I9.011)

Background: The utility of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in the study of patients with cognitive symptoms is controversial. Many guidelines recommend their implementation as an auxiliary method without defined criteria. While there are known electroencephalographic changes in patients with advanced dementia, their role in cognitive disorders is debated. Objective: Our goal is to analyze the importance of EEG in the study of these patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients evaluated in the dementia clinic at our institution (June 2014 to March / 2015), who required an EEG according to the following criteria: patients who consulted for episodes compatible with seizures; those who consulted for cognitive symptoms and seizures were identified in the interrogation; and those with uncertain cognitive symptoms. Results: Total 35 patients, 24 female (67[percnt]). Average age 64 (18-84). Isolated cognitive / behavioral symptoms were identified in 31 patients (88[percnt]). 17 consulted for forgetfulness, 10 for anomias, 12 for attentional failures, 7 for disorientation and 2 for behavioral disorders (2). Two had normal cognitive evaluations (NPSE). In the remainder, attentional, executive and memory deficits were identified. 14 showed abnormal EEG, and 5 were treated with AEDs (14[percnt] of total) after being evaluated by epileptologists. In 3 patients (9[percnt]) seizures were identified. Consulted for: forgetfulness (3), anomias (2), attentional deficits and disorientation (1). All had impaired NPSE and EEG. Evaluated by Epilepsy and treated with AEDs. One patient (3[percnt]) presented with episodes of unresponsiveness and loss of awareness, had an abnormal EEG; and was diagnosed with epilepsy. AEDs were started. Conclusion: The EEG is a useful study in the approach to patients with cognitive symptoms, but does not provide enough information on its own, without proper interpretation. The clinical context of the patient must always be considered and an interdisciplinary approach is always a valuable experience. Disclosure: Dr. Tamargo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Analia Calle has received personal compensation for activities with UCB Pharma as a scientific advisory board member. Dr. Thomson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez Toledo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nadile has nothing to disclose. Dr. Molina has nothing to disclose. Dr. O9Neill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fontela has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thomson has nothing to disclose.