Event-Related Potentials for the Study of Cognition

Despite the vast literature on event-related potentials (ERPs), many clinical professionals are still unaware of the huge variety of possible applications they offer. The aim of this chapter is not to show the classical use of ERPs, focused on analyzing the first steps of information processing (sensory pathways). On the contrary, this chapter will be focused on the use of these ERPs in the assessment of cognitive function. In particular, this chapter is mainly focused on the use of ERPs to better understand the neural bases of cognitive impairment from the electrical activity of the brain. Describing all the possible ERP components and their cognitive meaning is a huge endeavor, and this chapter will only be focused on three of them: contingent negative variation (CNV), mismatch negativity (MMN), and P300. To improve the reader’s knowledge about these ERPs in cognition, a specific description will be given about the stimulation required to obtain the specific component, the topography, and latency shown. Moreover, a description of the neurophysiological bases of the component, its relationship with psychological processes and neural sources will be also included. Pathological alterations suffered by the component will also be briefly described