Which of the following is NOT a typical finding in the EEG of patients aged 70 or older?

In the context of EEG findings for patients aged 70 or older, normal sleep architecture is indeed an atypical finding. In older adults, changes in sleep patterns are common, leading to variations in the normal configuration of sleep stages observed on an EEG. Specifically, as individuals age, they often experience alterations such as decreased total sleep time, increased awakenings, and changes in the proportion of sleep stages, which can affect overall sleep architecture.

On the other hand, increased theta activity, less than 20% REM sleep, and greater occurrence of spikes can all be typical findings in older adults. Increased theta activity may reflect cognitive changes associated with aging, while a decrease in REM sleep is a recognized aspect of normal aging. Additionally, the appearance of more spikes or sharp waves can indicate a higher likelihood of age-related changes in the brain, including potential episodic electrical disruptions.

Understanding this distinction is key in interpreting EEG results for the elderly population, where deviations from younger adult norms become significant markers of neurophysiological aging.