Effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine on resting-state electroencephalographic rhythms in Alzheimer’s disease patients

Highlights ► Symptomatic treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently limited to two therapeutic classes namely, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine. ► The present review clarifies the effects of AChEIs and memantine on resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms and cognitive function in AD patients to identify EEG markers useful for drug development. ► Based on the field literature, the patient’s EEG rhythms most reactive to AChEIs are those at delta (0–3 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–12 Hz); the effects of memantine generate a reduction of pathological theta rhythms.