The effects of aging on the P3 component of the visual event-related potential

Visual stimuli were used to elicit ERPs in 108 normal subjects ranging in age from 8 to 90 years. Age-related differences were found for both P3 latency and amplitude. Children and elderly adults were found to have the latest P3s. The earliest P3s were found in subjects in their twenties. A curvilinear function best described the P3 latency/age relationship. Also, small but significant differences were observed between males and females in P3 latency. The relationship between P3 amplitude and age was strongly influenced by scalp location. P3 was largest at posterior electrode sites, but was not visible at frontal sites in young children. With increasing age P3 decreased in amplitude at the posterior sites and increased in amplitude at more frontal locations.