Association analyses of the top genome-wide significant SNP associated with fast beta EEG in the prospective sample indicated that rs11720469 was associated with heavy-episodic drinking. As this sample has an average age of approximately 17 years, this suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition toward neuronal hyperexcitability show differences in risky drinking in adolescence/young adulthood. Previous studies indicate that compared with non-binge drinkers or mild-binge drinkers, more severe-binge drinkers have increased fast beta EEG (20–35 Hz).23 As this fast beta power spectral pattern is also observed among those with AD,90 the authors suggested that fast beta EEG may be a biomarker for the development of future AUDs.
