The EEG in centenarians.

1. The EEGs of ten centenarians were described. 2. In most healthy centenarians, posterior dominant rhythms are within the lower part of the alpha range (average 8.62 c/sec). 3. Although slowing of the posterior dominant rhythm at age 100 is greater than in younger groups, there is no evidence in this study of a progressive decrease in frequency during the two decades between 80 and 100 years. 4. Most records of centenarians contained other abnormalities, either of diffuse slowing or of slow wave foci, the latter most often in the left temporal area. 5. The relationship of the observed EEG changes to the process of aging as distinct from reduced cerebral metabolism and blood flow resulting from disease is discussed.