Subtle Brain Changes in Subjective Cognitive Decline: The Role of Resting-State Theta Connectivity and Executive Functioning

Sedelaar, Anne-Belle (2026) Subtle Brain Changes in Subjective Cognitive Decline: The Role of Resting-State Theta Connectivity and Executive Functioning. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Introduction: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may reflect subtle early cognitive changes before measurable impairment appears on standard neuropsychological tests. Resting-state EEG (rsEEG) may help detect early neurophysiological alterations, but research on rsEEG in SCD remains, particularly regarding theta-band connectivity and its relation to executive functioning (EF). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 38 adults aged over 50 years of age, consisting of 14 individuals with SCD and 24 cognitively healthy controls. RsEEG was recorded during eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Theta-band connectivity was calculated using weighted phase lag index across three network variables: frontal, fronto-parietal, and fronto-temporal connectivity. EF was assessed using the Stroop Test and Trail Making Test (TMT). Group differences were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, and associations between connectivity and EF were tested using Pearson’s correlations and multiple regression. Results: No significant group differences in rs-theta connectivity were found between individuals with SCD and healthy controls across the three network variables. However, Stroop performance was significantly correlated with frontal and fronto-parietal network connectivity. No significant associations were found between connectivity and TMT performance. The regression model predicting Stroop performance from frontal and fronto-parietal connectivity was significant overall, though individual predictors were not. Discussion: Although no group-level differences were observed in the current study, rs-theta connectivity may be related to EF performance. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether rs- theta connectivity can serve as an early marker of cognitive decline.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Wardana, N.D. and Enriquez Geppert, S.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2026 13:27
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2026 13:27
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6388

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