Correlation between Slow Electrical Activity and Brain Neural Networks in Patients with Chronic Cerebral Ischemia

The study of correlation between slow electrical activity of the brain and neural networks is relevant in the aspect of studying the possible influences that modulate cerebral connectivity. To evaluate the relationship between slow electrical activity (DC (direct current) potential level, DCP) and the connectivity of resting-state neural networks according to fMRI data in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI). Patients (58) with CCI were assessed for the average DCP level value in five regions of the head, the connectivity of brain neural networks according to resting-state functional MRI, as well as the blood flow characteristics in the internal carotid arteries (ICAs). The state of operative memory in the examined patients was determined. Patients were divided into two groups, each consisting of 25 age-matched subjects ( p = 0.5) differing in mean DCP level (average values for groups: 5.9 ± 0.4 and 17.5 ± 1.2 mV, respectively). Patients in the lower mean DCP group had higher connectivity between different brain areas compared to the group of patients with higher mean DCP level values. Patients from the first group were characterized by higher values of operative memory and more symmetrical blood flow. The average DCP level value is associated with the connective organization of neural networks. This is probably related to the correlation of this DCP indicator with cognitive characteristics.