Source reconstruction of electrical brain activity during attention network task performance

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) significantly affects mood, thought processes, and behavior. Understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms behind depression is essential for developing effective treatments. In this study, we compared source reconstruction of electroencephalography (EEG) data collected during Attention Network Task (ANT) performance from individuals with MDD, healthy controls, and those at risk of developing MDD. Our goal was to analyze the localization of alpha rhythm, particularly in relation to the P300 component. Preliminary findings revealed distinct differences in brain activation patterns among the three groups in key brain areas, particularly the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). Significant group effects in alpha source activity during the P300 interval were observed in response to both congruent and incongruent stimuli. One-way ANOVA results revealed notable differences in alpha activation in the Anterior Prefrontal Cortex (BA10) and ACC (BA24) between MDD and control groups, highlighting potential challenges in higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making. Increased alpha activation in the Inferior Frontal Gyrus (BA45) in the MDD group suggests possible language processing difficulties. Furthermore, enhanced activation in the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices aligns with their roles in task switching and inhibition. In the incongruent condition, significant differences were more pronounced, particularly in the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (BA9) and Right Anterior Prefrontal Cortex (BA10), which are vital for executive functions. The MDD group exhibited larger alpha source activation in the ACC, indicating reduced brain activation that may impair attention and task management. These preliminary findings are consistent with existing literature on altered alpha source activity in MDD, supporting the notion of cognitive and emotional processing differences in this population. Thus, our study demonstrates distinct differences in alpha source localization during the ANT, revealing significant variations in brain activation patterns related to stimulus congruence, particularly in the ACC and DLPFC across the three participant groups.

Keywords: electroencephalography source localization, cognition, Attention Network Task (ANT), P300 component, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).