Brain functional connectivity characteristics at various levels of inhibitory function in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment.

This study aims to explore the brain network connectivity patterns in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment at varying levels of inhibitory function and to identify key brain connectivity features that influence inhibitory function. The study analyzed data from 120 elderly individuals with cognitive impairment, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ), muscle strength, Stroop task performance, and 5-minute resting-state EEG signals. Pearson correlation and analysis of variance were used to identify significant targets. BrainNet Viewer was utilized to create visualizations of EEG-based brain networks to identify connectivity features. (1) Stroop task accuracy under congruent/incongruent conditions showed a significant positive correlation with MoCA scores (r = 0.599, p < 0.01; r = 0.474, p < 0.01), while reaction times under these conditions exhibited a significant negative correlation with MoCA scores (r=-0.475, p < 0.01; r=-0.354, p < 0.01). (2) Significant differences were observed among the four groups of elderly individuals with cognitive impairment in grip strength, 30-second sit-to-stand, and SPPB performance (P < 0.05). In EEG metrics, significant differences were identified among the four groups in Fp1θ, Fp1α1, Fp1α2, Fp2α1, Fp2α2, F3α1, F4α1, F4α2, C3α1, C4α1, C4α2, P3α1, P4α1, P4α2, O1α1, O2α1, O2α2, F7α1, F8α1, F8α2, T4α1, T4α2, T5α1, T6α1, T6α2 (P < 0.05). (3) Higher accuracy in inhibitory function was mainly associated with stronger and denser connectivity in the prefrontal and parietal regions, whereas faster reaction times were linked to the central and occipital regions. The observed balance in connectivity between the left and right hemispheres was associated with differences in inhibitory function and task execution efficiency in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Training in physical function and muscle strength may enhance EEG activity in individuals with lower levels of inhibitory function, thereby improving their cognitive abilities.