Assessing retino-geniculo-cortical connectivities in Alzheimer´s Disease with a neural mass model

Longitudinal studies have shown that increase of mean frequency within the theta band may be considered as an early symptom of progression into Alzheimer´s Disease (AD). Also, slowing of mean frequency within the alpha band has long since been known to be a def nitive marker in AD. This work is aimed at developing a better understanding of alterations in neuronal connectivity underlying Electroencephalogram (EEG) changes in AD. Specif cally, connectivity changes in the dorso-lateral geniculo-cortical pathway are studied using a neural mass computational model. Connectivity parameters in the model are informed by the most recent experimental data on mammalian Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (dorsal). A slowing of the mean power spectra of the model output is observed with increase in both excitatory and inhibitory parameters in the intra-thalamic and thalamocortical pathways and a decrease of sensory pathway synaptic connectivity. The biological plausibility of the results suggest potential of further model extension in AD research.