Original Article

Abstract
Background and Purpose
Cognitive decline in the elderly, including conditions like subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease, poses significant challenges to public health, adversely affecting quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week cognitive and physical intervention on cognitive function and electroencephalography (EEG) spectral power in elderly participants.

Methods
Sixty-six participants aged 60–85 years were recruited, with a subset of 16 undergoing EEG assessments before and after the intervention. The program combined cognitive training with physical exercises designed to enhance memory, attention, executive function, and physical fitness. EEG data were analyzed for changes in spectral power across various frequency bands.

Results
While no significant improvements were observed in cognitive tests (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE], Korean Montreal Cognitive Assessment [K-MoCA]), exercise capacity (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test) significantly improved. EEG analysis revealed an increase in delta power at the O1 and O2 channels and a decrease in alpha power at several brain regions, including F7, Fz, F4, Pz, and O2. Also, the delta activity in O1 and the alpha activity in Pz showed correlations with K-MMSE and K-MoCA, respectively.

Conclusions
The 12-week intervention led to significant changes in EEG spectral power, specifically an increase in delta power and a decrease in alpha power. These findings suggest that combined cognitive and physical interventions may enhance brain function in elderly individuals with cognitive decline. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their clinical implications.

Keywords
Electroencephalography; Dementia; Cognitive Impairment; Exercise Therapy; Cognitive Therapy; Aging