Age-related dynamics of cognitive brain functions in humans: An electrophysiological approach

Author(s): Petter, J., Platt, D.

Journal/Book: J Gerontol Ser A-Biol Sci Med. 1996; 51: 1275 K Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005-4006. Gerontological Society Amer. B3-B16.

Abstract: Event-related P300 potentials closely reflect cognitive functions such as stimulus discrimination (N250) and processing time (P300 latencies) as well as attention capabilities (P300 amplitudes). To delineate the age-related dynamics of P300 potentials, we investigated 250 healthy subjects between 18 and 98 years of age in a cross-sectional study. A total of 330 visual P300 tests was performed in two different paradigms (PI, passive condition, n = 80; PII, active condition, n = 250). In both P300 paradigms, the N250 and P300 latencies were markedly prolonged (p < .0001) in older age, whereas the N250 and P300 latency differences between PII and PI did not change (p > .05). The P300 amplitudes in paradigm I and II revealed only a slight age-related reduction. In fact, the P300 amplitude ratios between PII and PI remained constant. Third-order polynomial regressions provided the best fit of the aging-P300 interactions in paradigms I and II for both males and females. Interestingly, females showed a greater and possibly earlier P300 latency increase during aging than males. These age-related changes of P300 potentials indicate a rather mild cognitive decline that does not accelerate before old age and may be different between both sexes.

Note: Article CFA Kugler, Univ Erlangen Nurnberg, Dept Internal Med 2, Inst Gerontol, Chair Internal Med & Gerontol, D-90340 Nurnberg, Germany

Keyword(s): EVENT-RELATED POTENTIALS; ELICITED P300-COMPLEX PF-P300; EVOKED-POTENTIALS; AUDITORY-STIMULI; P300 COMPONENT; LATENCY VARIABILITY; BASAL FOREBRAIN; TASK RELEVANCE; ALZHEIMER-TYPE; GROWTH-FACTOR

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