How does the normal EEG of adults aged 70 or older differ from younger adults?

Adults aged 70 or older typically show a reduction in the percentage of REM sleep compared to younger adults. This change is part of the natural aging process and is associated with alterations in sleep architecture. In older adults, the overall amount of REM sleep often decreases, contributing to changes in cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.

While it is true that older adults may exhibit different EEG characteristics compared to younger populations, such as possible increases in alpha activity or unique waveforms, the significant decrease in REM sleep percentage is a key distinction in understanding the age-related transformations in sleep and EEG patterns. The decrease in REM sleep is particularly notable, as it can have implications for overall health and cognitive performance in older individuals.

In addition, increased seizure activity is less common in normal aging unless there are underlying pathological conditions, and while older adults might have some sharper waves in certain contexts, these do not define the typical EEG differences observed in this age group.