[A study of endogenous evoked potentials (P300 and CNV) in retired patients]

Endogenous evoked potentials of two types (CNV and P300 complexes) as well as their respective reaction times were recorded in 29 elderly, active subjects (15 men and 14 women) between 60 and 84 years of age. Our subjects also passed anxiety, depression and cognitive scales. The different results were then analyzed in relation with each other and in relation with age and sex. No age-related differences were found in the principal elements measured in the P300 complex, but several elements of the CNV complex were clearly shown to be age-sensitive. Sex-related differences were found in the N2 and P3a potentials. CNV morphology (Tecce type A) and cognitive scores were found to be related to Spielberger's anxiety-trait sub-scale. Several results also highlighted the heterogeneity of this age group. The need for complementary studies in this age group is then discussed with the hope that neurophysiology can become a useful tool in psychogeriatrics.