A short review of alpha activity in cognitive processes and in cognitive impairment

Aim of the reportIn the companion report (Başar, this volume), the physiological fundaments of alpha activity in integrative brain function are described. The present report is a review of the significant role of alpha activity in memory and cognitive processes in healthy subjects, and in cognitive impairment. The role of neurotransmitters is also described, briefly, in this context.Towards an understanding of brain alphaDespite numerous experimental studies, it is indicated that the presented results are only appropriate to establish an ensemble of reasonings and suggestions for analyzing “alphas” in the whole brain. In turn, in the near future, these reasonings and suggestions may serve (or are indispensable to serve) as fundaments of more general and tenable hypotheses on the genesis and function of “alphas”.

► The review describes alpha activity in cognitive processes and cognitive impairment. ► Changes of alpha activity in processes of emotion and memory are described. ► It also outlines reasoning for understanding of alpha in integrative brain functions.