EEG SPECTRAL FINDINGS IN HEALTHY, ELDERLY MEN AND WOMEN - SEX-DIFFERENCES

Computerized spectral analysis of the EEG was performed in 119 healthy , elderly men and women, ranging in age from 60 to 87 years with an (x ) over bar age of 70.4 years, to evaluate gender-related variance. The groups did not differ in age, education levels or Folstein score. We compared the parasagittal derivations in men (n = 53) to women (n = 66 ), controlling for the effect of age by decade. Compared to men, women had a significant (usually P < 0.01) increase in the parasagittal mea n frequency (1-30 Hz and 4-20 Hz) beta(1) and beta(2), while alpha(2) and theta-beta were decreased. Mean frequency did not differ significa ntly by decade, nor were there significant sex-age interactions. Our r esults extend previous EEG spectral findings to older, healthy, elderl y subjects. Although the basis for the gender-related differences is u ncertain, we suggest that quantitative EEGs establish gender-based nor ms in elderly adults.