The effects of age on human P3 latency

Abstract

Barajas JJ. The effects of age on human P3 latency. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1991; Suppl. 476: 157—160.103 subjects aged 6 to 78 years were studied in an “auditory oddball” event—related potential (ERP) paradigm. Linear regressions were computed for P3 latencies for the age groups 6—14, 12—24 and 18—78 years. In the first two groups a significant negative correlation between age and P3 latency was present. The age/P3 latency slope for the subjects under 15 was——19.00 msec/year versus —2.4 msec/year for the 12—24 year—olds. In contrast, there was a significant positive correlation in the 18—78 years group with an age/P3 latency slope of +1.25 msec/year. A significant age/P3 latency curvilinear relationship was found from 6 to 78 years old. Key words: auditory event related potential, P3, ageing, P300.