title: [The EEG in the aged].
abstract: The most important characteristic of the EEG in old age is the frequency decrease of background activity, which can be traced back to a lessening of cerebral oxygen uptake. One third of healthy test persons aged 60 or over also show temporal (usually left sided) slow wave groups. The degree of EEG changes in cerebro-vascular insults depends on the nature and the localization of these disturbances. Temporary clinical and electroencephalographic focal seizure symptoms are observed, in particular, in circulatory disturbances within the temporo-parieto-occipital territory. Recurring epileptic seizures which start only in old age usually have either a vascular or a tumoral cause. During the attack-free intervals EEG spikes or sharp waves may be less frequently recorded than in younger test persons. Thanks to its highly typical EEG pattern, Creutzfeldt-Jakob subacute spongiform encephalopathy can be distinguished from other presenile or senile affections of the brain.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000150:complications; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
vernacular_title: Das Alters-EEG.