Diversity on brain dynamics: modernity may influence brain alpha oscillations and complexity.

GÓMEZ, E.; BENITEZ MARIA ANGÉLICA; DIAZ ABRAHAN VERÓNICA; BOSSIO, MAXIMILIANO ALEJO; SARLI, L.; THIAGARAJAN, T.; CHIALVO, D; JUSTEL NADIA

Córdoba

Congreso; XXXIV Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencias.; 2019

Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencias.

Brain diversity studies are focused mostly in developed countries. Recent studies found that a sub-group of people from geographically-isolated regions in India lacks the alpha rhythm and their EEG signal complexity is lower. The objective of this study was to identify the degree of divergence in brain dynamics for an Argentine population. Four hundred and thirty-seven participants from different provinces signed informed consent and completed a demographic survey. EEG samples with open and closed eyes were taken from the participants using the Emotiv EPOC+ (14 electrodes) device. Signals were analyzed, obtaining the energy in the alpha band, its peak frequency and a signal?s complexity coefficient (Lempel-Ziv), and with that data, urban and non-urban populations were compared. Open eyes measurements from participants from isolated regions showed lower peak frequency on every channel, except for P8, as well as less energy in the alpha band on seven channels and lower complexity on every channel. Closed eyes measurements from participants from isolated regions showed lower peak frequency, alpha band energy and complexity for every channel. These findings suggest that modernization may have an influence in brain dynamics and that an ?average? brain may not exist. Findings allow concluding that social and environmental factors influence brain dynamics, stressing the importance of having comparative worldwide data.