Genetic achitecture of EEG power spectra in early life

G.C.M. van Baal

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademic

Abstract

We measured the electroencephalogram (EEG) in 209 5 year old monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to EEG power spectra in early life. Data from same-sex and from opposite-sex twin pairs were used to test for sex differences in genetic influences. Results showed high concordance for EEGs of MZ twins for absolute and relative power in δ, θ, α1, α2, β1 and β2 bands. A model with additive genetic and unique environmental influences explained individual differences in both absolute and relative power in almost all bands and all electrode positions. Heritability of EEG power spectra was high. For absolute power the highest heritabilities were observed in θ, α1, α2 and β1 power bands (mean heritability 81, 81, 78, and 73%, respectively). Somewhat lower heritabilities were found in δ and β2 bands (mean heritability 55 and 64%, respectively). For relative power heritabilities were 63, 76, 71, 72, 68, and 65 for δ, θ, α1, α2, β1, and β2, respectively. Virtually no sex differences in heritability were found. These findings indicate that the background EEG is one of the most heritable characteristics in early life.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)502-514
Number of pages12
JournalElectroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
Volume98
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1996

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic achitecture of EEG power spectra in early life'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this