Amplitude differences of evoked alpha and gamma oscillations in two different age groups.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the amplitude of gamma-band activity is influenced by the factor age. We examined alpha- and gamma-band EEG activity and event-related potentials (ERPs) of 12 subjects. Six subjects constituted the younger (mean age=36.6 years) and another six the older age group (mean age=47.6 years). Subjects performed a visual discrimination task which required a response to Kanizsa squares (targets) among Kanizsa-triangles and non-Kanizsa figures. The ERPs of the younger group revealed a significantly larger N 170 amplitude. The amplitudes of evoked alpha- and gamma-band activity were also found to be significantly higher in the younger group. We discuss the implications of these findings and possible reasons for a change of the oscillatory activity in the older age group.
Böttger
Diana
D
Max-Planck Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Postfach 500 355, 04303, Leipzig, Germany.
Herrmann
Christoph S
CS
von Cramon
D Yves
DY
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000513:Alpha Rhythm / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D018913:Event-Related Potentials, P300 / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods